Dundalk's players and management landed in Israel last night conscious that this trip might represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Stephen Kenny's side can still qualify for the final 32 of the Europa League if results go their way in tomorrow evening.

If they beat under-pressure hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv, Dundalk will go through if AZ Alkmaar draw with group winners Zenit St Petersburg in Holland.

If Alkmaar lose that match, then a score draw would be enough for the League of Ireland champions to advance.

The Dundalk squad feel there could be another twist in the tale and veteran goalkeeper Gary Rogers appreciates the significance of the opportunity.

"We know whatever we do here could top off what we've already achieved," said the Meathman.

"It's something we want to grasp as this opportunity might never come around again.

"This is a one-off game against a team we have beaten already. We have a really good opportunity to achieve something special and the players are well aware of that."

Hurrah

Rogers has signed a new deal, but this will be a last hurrah for some members of Kenny's party.

Centre-half Andy Boyle is set to join Preston in January and the Championship side also have a strong chance of landing star man Daryl Horgan although the Galwegian has many options.

Stephen O'Donnell has made good progress in attempting to shake off a hamstring problem and might well be fit enough for a second-half cameo.

Chris Shields, who missed the deflating loss to AZ Alkmaar a fortnight ago, is present and correct.

Maccabi coach Shota Arveladze appears to have been given a stay of execution following a dreadful run. They have fired blanks in their last four games and they will sack Arveladze if that sequence extends to five.

Kenny is facing an alternative kind of stress in preparing for this match while trying to retain players and recruit new ones.

Dundalk will have to pay transfer fees to sign St Pat's defender Sean Hoare and Bray winger Dylan Connolly. A move for Hoare is a runner but Bray insist they will not sell Connolly.

Another big European result would help to foot the bill for Hoare, but Dundalk's mission here is about more than making money; it's about making history.

Meanwhile, Connacht rugby legend Johnny O'Connor has taken up the role of strength and conditioning coach with Galway United, where he will link up with new manager Shane Keegan.

The 36-year-old spent the last three years working with the Arsenal academy.

Irish Independent