HUW GRIFFITHS is "chuffed to bits" that Cefn Druids have the chance to mix it with the continent's elite after being paired with FK Trakai in the Europa League preliminary round.

The Ancients were handed arguably their toughest possible test after being drawn against FK Trakai, who will visit The New Saints' Park Hall on Thursday, June 28 before the return leg in Lithuania a week later.

Griffiths knows Druids have a tough 180 minutes ahead of them, but it relishing the prospect of coming face-to-face with a team that includes three Lithuanian internationals and former Everton attacker Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

"We are looking forward to playing it," declared Griffiths. "For my players it is a chance to play against international players and a former Everton player.

"My players have the chance to measure themselves against a very good side with only Carrots (Mike Jones), Neil Ashton and Alec Mudimu able to say they've played against players of that standard.

"The group of players at Cefn Druids have the chance to express themselves in the Europa League. It's a great opportunity for us."

Trakai made light work of Scottish outfit St Johnstone on their way to the third qualifying round last season, something Griffiths is wary of.

"They walloped St Johnstone last season," continued the Druids boss. "It doesn't bode well, but it isn't something to worry about, it is something to look forward to.

"We worked hard last season to make sure we got the chance to play against a team like this."