Healy ready for 'mini Champions League' as Linfield face Fola Esch

Linfield's Europa Conference League campaign continues on Tuesday night as they host Luxembourg's champions FC Fola Esch.

If the Blues are able to safely navigate this third qualifying round tie, they would put themselves on the brink of the group stages, as their final hurdle would be either Kazahk side Kairat, or Armenians Alashkert, depending on which side drops down from the Europa League.

"We're basically in a mini Champions League tournament, at the minute," said Blues boss David Healy.

"Yes, we're in the Conference, but any of the teams we face are going to be champions of their country, whether they win or lose in their previous rounds and there in itself lies a difficult challenge."

Healy's side reached this stage of the competition by overcoming Bosnian title holders Borac Banja Luka, quickly moving on from their Champions League elimination by Zalgiris.

Fola Esch got to this stage by beating Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus after their own Champions League elimination by Lincoln Red Imps.

"We're at the stage now where we understand we're getting to the serious side of it," said Healy.

"We are playing against a good team, a team like ourselves who lost in the Champions League but progressed through, so they've shown they are a good side."

This game is taking place two days ahead of schedule so Windsor Park can be fully prepared for the upcoming Super Cup final between Chelsea and Villareal.