Wolves to face Northern Irish minnows Crusaders or Faroe Islands side B36 Torshavn in Europa League qualifying
WOLVES will face either Crusaders from Northern Ireland or B36 Torshavn of the Faroe Islands in their first European tie in 39 years.
But Nuno Espirito Santo might shudder when he discovers Crusaders’ nickname is The Hatchetmen.
Wolves were handed a home tie in the first leg on July 25, when they enter the Europa League in the second qualifying round, with the away leg taking place a week later in August 1.
Neither side are expected to pose the Premier League outfit too many problems.
Crusaders won a cup double by lifting the Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield last season.
But Stephen Baxter’s side only finished fourth in the NIFL Premiership League season.
FIXTURE PILE-UP
Meanwhile B36 Torshavn were third in the Faroe Islands Premier League in 2018.
Crusaders and B36 Torshavn play each other in the first qualifying round on July 11 and 18.
That means Wolves won't know their opponents until a week before their second qualifying round tie.
To further complicate matters, Nuno’s squad faces an arduous flight back from the Asia Cup in China which takes place from July 13–21.
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SunSport can reveal if Crusaders make it through they will not take the tie to Windsor Park to accommodate Wolves’ large travelling support.
Instead the tie will go ahead at Crusaders’ 3,383-capacity ground, Seaview, in Belfast, on a 4G plastic playing surface.
Elsewhere, Wolves have sold Kortney Hause to promoted Aston Villa in a £3million deal after an impressive loan spell.