Dundalk defender Sean Gannon has insisted his side have no inferiority complex ahead of their crucial Europa League group tie against AZ Alkmaar.

The Lilywhites welcome the Dutch side to Tallaght on Thursday night knowing a win could go a long way towards securing their place in the knockout stages of the competition.

Speaking ahead of the game, Gannon said the experience gained from the side's European run, which has taken in outposts as far apart as Iceland and Russia, has helped the Louth side.

"We've been away to play in some massive stadiums and hostile atmospheres, and that can only help you going into games like this," he told RTÉ Sport.

While many had written off the Airtricity League champions' chances in the group stages, the right-back said this feeling did not extend to the squad.

"It's up to other people to say if they feel we're inferior to these teams, but as players we don't feel like that," he said.

"We're confident in our ability and the staff leave no stone unturned for us in terms of preparation and make it so easy for us to go out on the pitch.

"When you combine that with the experience we’ve gained from the games, I think we're able to go out tomorrow night and get a result."

However, Gannon is fully aware they may face a backlash from a talented AZ side after Ciaran Kilduff's late, late goal earned the Irish champions a valuable point in the opening game of the group stages.

"They've a lot of top players, a lot of young top players as well, international players, so we're under no illusions that they're a top side," said the Dubliner.

"They'll be hurting from us scoring so late to get an equaliser to nick a point so they'll be coming here for a result as well."

In a change from what has been the norm for Dundalk this year, they go into the game with a well-rested squad, having not played a competitive game since the FAI Cup final defeat to Cork on 6 November.

Despite this, Gannon says the players have been kept on their toes by manager Stephen Kenny as they chase history - they lost 2-1 to Championship side Brentford in a friendly last week.

"I think it was an opportunity for lads who have played a lot of football to get some rest and recover from some niggly injuries," he said.

"The training has been very good so we've been kept on our toes, and obviously playing the game last week has kept up the momentum of playing games.

"We've been so used to playing games, three games a week, for as long as we can remember so it’s important that we nurse some of the niggles.

"Everyone feels refreshed and is positive about tomorrow."