Jimmy Brown will step back onto the European stage tomorrow night hoping to breath new life into his romance with continental competition.

While Brown will be in charge of Lisburn Distillery for the first time when they face Zestafoni of Georgia in the Europa League at Mourneview Park, he has a wealth of experience in Europe which stretches back over 30 years.

And he can boast victories during associations with two different clubs. Firstly as player-manager of Carrick Rangers when they beat Aris of Luxembourg in the 1976 Cup Winner’s Cup before losing to Southampton and more recently five years ago he was number two to Roy Coyle at Glentoran when they knocked Finnish side Allianssi out of the UEFA Cup.

“Irish League clubs haven’t won too many games in Europe, but I have been fortunate enough to have won a couple of times and although the first of those was a long time ago it is good to have had that experience,” said Brown.

“It is a few years now since I have been involved on the European scene. I have missed it and I am looking forward to going back in as a manager.

“I am not under any illusions as to how tough a game it is going to be. It’s going to be a challenge as full-time players against part-time always is.

“The main priority is building towards the start of the league season, but we will try to get something out of this game. If we do it will be great, if not we will re-group and try to put up a challenge over in Georgia.”

Brown will hand debuts to Philip Simpson, Gavin Melaugh and Gavin Whelan, but Glenn Ferguson’s bow will have to wait as he is on holiday, as are goalkeeper Philip Matthews, Peter McCann, Neal Gawley and Mark Patton.

Brown has tried to glean as much information about the Georgians as possible, but details on Zestafoni haven’t been easy to come by. The Whites boss, however, knows where their main threat lies — namely 23-year-old striker Nikoloz Gelashvili.

“I’ve been able to watch some short video clips on their club website which have helped a little bit,” said Brown.

“They are quick and sharp and their main striker was the top goalscorer in the Georgian league last season. I’ve seen him on the internet, he’s six-feet tall and he’s someone who’ll have to be watched.”