THE SPACE INVADERS..

Rory: Let's build gap before continental battles

- MARK MCCADDEN

RORY GAFFNEY is aiming to put some distance between Shamrock Rovers and their title rivals ahead of this season's European campaign.

The Hoops made the group stages of the Europa Conference League last year and banked a cool €4million in UEFA prize money as a result of their exploits.

They will face the winners of the preliminary round - featuring teams from Andorra, San Marino, Montenegro and Iceland - in their Champions League opener.

A win in that tie - played over two legs in mid-July- and Danish giants Copenhagen will await them in the second round.