Fulham to play NSI Runavik in the Europa League

Pa
Monday 20 June 2011 12:28 BST
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The match will be Martin Jol's first in charge
The match will be Martin Jol's first in charge (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham will face NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

The Cottagers were handed a place in the draw via the UEFA Fair Play League and the tie will represent a first competitive match in charge for new manager Martin Jol, appointed following Mark Hughes' resignation.

The games will be played on June 30 and July 7, the first leg set for west London.

This afternoon's draw in Nyon threw up an all-British affair when Welsh side TNS were paired with Cliftonville, who finished fourth in the IFA Premiership.

League of Ireland Premier Division side St Patrick's Athletic will face Icelanders IBV, while Neath take on Norwegian club Aalesund and Glentoran play FK Renova of Macedonia.

It is, however, a long road to the group stages of the Europa League, with potentially two more qualifying rounds ahead before the play-off stage.

FA Cup finalists Stoke will enter in the third round, along with Scottish Premier League side Hearts.

Celtic go straight in at the play-off stage with Carling Cup winners Birmingham and Tottenham, who finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League.

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