ANDY MORRISON described seeing Connah’s Quay Nomads handed a first qualifying round home tie with FK Sarajevo as “very humbling”.

The Flintshire outfit’s list of potential opponents in their first ever Champions League campaign were reduced to three on Saturday with Red Star Belgrade, Sheriff Tiraspol, who have ex-Cefn Druids ace Alec Mudimu in their ranks, and Sarajevo, making the shortlist.

And it’s Bosnian champions Sarajevo who Cymru Premier title winners Nomads will come up against with a clash on Tuesday, August 18 at the Cardiff City Stadium, which is Uefa-covid compliant.

Nomads boss Morrison tweeted: “Very humbling to listen to the Champions League music and then have our club’s name read out. All three seeded teams would be sat with fingers crossed praying they get Connah’s Quay. Bring on the Bosnians.”

While Nomads aren’t able to use the Deeside Stadium for matches, the ability to play in the Welsh capital rather than flying to Bosnia at short notice, is something director of football Jay Catton is thankful for.

Catton tweeted: “Great watch of @ChampionsLeague draw and great to be at home this year more than ever.

“For all Welsh clubs financial challenges if drawn away are huge.

“Massive task and challenge for all at @the_nomads to focus on now, against Bosnian champions @FK_Sarajevo in Cardiff. #oneclub.”

Morrison, Catton and Craig Harrison can all set about planning for the challenge of Sarajevo, whose manager Vinko Marinovic will be leaving no stone unturned as they head to Wales for a one-off tie with Nomads.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Marinovic said: “We got the champion of Wales, it is now up to us to get to know that team as much as possible, to do scouting and prepare as much as possible.”

Nomads will find out their incentive for beating Sarajevo today when the draw for the second qualifying round - set to be played on August 25 or 26 - is made.

Morrison’s men have progressed out of the Europa League first qualifying round on two occasions, beating Norwegian outfit Stabaek 1-0 on aggregate four years ago, before famously eliminating Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock 3-2, 12 months ago.

Celtic will play at home to Icelandic club KR Reykjavik in the first qualifying round.

Celtic Park will likely host the game on August 18 or 19, but there is still a possibility the fixture could be staged at a neutral venue.

The Hoops’ only previous meeting with KR Reykjavik came in a Champions League qualifying tie in the 2014-15 season when they progressed 5-0 on aggregate.

Irish champions Dundalk have been drawn away to Slovenian side Celje.

Barry Town United, who have warmed up for their European adventure with matches against Nomads and The New Saints, have been drawn away against NSÍ Runavík of the Faroe Islands in the Europa League preliminary round.

Scott Ruscoe’s Saints and Bala Town, who were beaten 4-0 by Crewe Alex, managed by former Lakesider, Dave Artell, at the weekend, will find out who they face in the first qualifying round today.

Colin Caton has strengthened his Bala squad ahead of their European campaign with the signing of Llyr Morris, who head to Maes Tegid from Ruthin Town.

Ruthin chairman Andy Edwards said: “This is a great chance for Llyr to show what he can achieve at the highest level within Welsh Football. I wish him all the best and on behalf of everyone from the club we wish him every success. He is a top player, with a fantastic attitude and has been a big part of our evolving positive culture at Ruthin Town.”