Crusaders make their return to European competition after a three-year absence when they take on Gibraltarian outfit Bruno's Magpies in the UEFA Europa Conference League, kick-off 5pm.

Stephen Baxter's side travel to the rock for tonight's first qualifying round, first leg tie before hosting the return at Seaview next Thursday.

Normally a side to get their business done early, it has been a relatively quiet summer transfer window for the Crues bringing in only Dean Ebbe from The New Saints, and former Northern Ireland youth international Rory McKeown from New Zealand outfit Team Wellington although his earlier career did bring extensive experience in Scotland.

Their preparations have included friendly victories over Maynooth Town, Clonmullion and Comber Rec. as well as a defeat to Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren.

Formed as recently as 2013, tonight's opponents qualified after finishing fourth in the Gibraltar Premier Division, as well as finishing runners-up in the Rock Cup to double winners Lincoln Red Imps.

This will mark their debut on the continental stage to complete a remarkable story of progress for a side that was initially formed by a group of friends who socialised at a local restaurant from which the club derives its name.

Managed by former Port Vale boss Nathan Rooney, Magpies include the usual smattering of Gibraltarians and Spaniards amongst the squad in addition to a couple of former Ghana internationals Ibrahim Ayew and Emmanuel Ocran.