Linfield’s previous record against clubs from Denmark doesn’t inspire confidence ahead of Thursday’s first leg away tie in the Europa League. Randers is hardly a household name yet veteran Noel Bailie warns: “We’d better be on our guard.”

Bailie may be pushing on a bit after 22 years at Windsor Park but there is nothing wrong with his memory.

And what he recalls is enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the biggest optimists.

Bailie said: “We’ve taken some beatings. I can remember losing 5-0 to Odense and 4-0 to Copenhagen.

“On the bright side we drew with Esjberg away but went down 2-1 at home.”

And Bailie doesn’t subscribe to the theory that the second leg on July 9 will be any easier because the game is being played at Mourneview Park, his favourite Irish League ground.

He insisted: “Yes, Mourneview is more compact but it has a beautiful surface inviting good teams to turn on the style.

“I don’t see it restricting our opponents because the bottom line is there is no hiding place from quality teams.

“And if Randers are anything like the other Danish sides we’ve come up against we face another difficult assignment.

“I’ve no doubt they will be big in stature, giants the most of whom will stand more than six foot two so they’re sure to be physical encounters.”

In addition, the Linfield skipper has spoken of his sheer relief to get a new one year contract after 23 years with Linfield — but fears only a bit part role in what could be his swansong season.

Bailie, 38, has survived while another legend, Glenn Ferguson, 39, was sensationally shown the door at Windsor Park.

Certainly competition isn’t getting any easier because manager David Jeffrey has plenty to choose from for Bailie's central defensive position.

And Bailie moaned: “As if competition wasn’t bad enough we suddenly have Michael Gault popping up as well.

“He’s normally a midfielder but played at centre-half and played very well in the 1-1 draw against The New Saints in Wales last week.

“Michael is a full international and looks a natural contender. I’ll have my work cut out to stay in the team.”

Jeffrey has been experimenting with several combinations before deciding who faces Randers at Essex Park this week.

Apart from Bailie and Gault, boss man Jeffrey can take his pick from Kris Lindsay, Steven Douglas, Billy Joe Burns and William Murphy.