Randers FC may be an unknown quantity to Linfield but David Jeffrey has witnessed enough heroics on the continent to pack his bags without any fear.

The Blues are used to punching above their weight on their summer travels but their refusal to roll over and have their stomach tickled by superior rivals says a lot about the man barking out orders on the sidelines.

As a player, Jeffrey never shirked a challenge and that philosophy has served him well as a manager.

He demands high levels of commitment and passion from his players, particularly when the odds are stacked against them.

There isn’t simply pride at stake in Denmark tonight — Jeffrey will believe that his players can progress in Europe and that belief will be instilled into his troops.

There can be ‘no making up the numbers’ accusations when the Blues tackle the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round.

It may be a baptism of fire for new boys Alan Blayney, Philip Lowry and Curtis Allen but Jeffrey will have them fired up to write a fairytale similar to the one penned in the 1-1 draw at Dinamo Zagreb a year ago.

“Randers are a new side, formed in 2003 who finished fifth in their league last year but in these games there is going to be much both sides do not know about the opposition,” said the Blues boss.

“They played a Welsh team, Llanelli perhaps a few seasons ago and although the Welsh side got a credible result out there, losing just 1-0, when they got back to Wales they were well beaten 5-1. They're an extremely fit and strong side.

“I expect them to be a typically strong Danish team that are back from a break and raring to go again. These European ties come ridiculously early for Irish League teams but the players are in a good physical condition and I am delighted with how they have looked after themselves.

“There is a great spirit and camaraderie in the camp and I am confident they can deliver a good performance. The goal has to be to keep the tie alive going into the second game and an away goal is always priceless.

“We are better prepared for the European test this year compared to last year and there is a great attitude among the players.”

Jeffrey is without Conor Hagan, Paul Munster and Michael Gault who scored the equaliser to stun Zagreb last summer.

“A lot of people view our clubs as being whipping boys in Europe but I still get excited by these ties,” added Jeffrey. “As a player I always wanted to test myself against other players and there is an opportunity for these players to now rise to the occasion.

“Linfield and Glentoran have shown over the years that we can win in Europe provided we produce excellent performances and enjoy a little luck as well.

“To go to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia last year and come away with a draw was a wonderful result and it should be recognised as the stunning feat it was.

“It really was a superb result and when you consider how the players performed and the determination and resolve they showed, it deserves to be applauded. In the face of massive adversity they remained unbeaten and we took great pride from that result and performance.

“That was the kind of result and performance in Europe which can inspire us to repeat the feat and make a few people sit up and take notice.”