Paul Heatley makes European prediction as he bows out from Irish League

Paul Heatley believes there is a real chance for an Irish League side to make the group stages of a European competition this summer. Heatley, who helped Crusaders secure a place in next season's Europa Conference League before hanging up his boots, says there is a real expectation in the league now to see clubs make it past the qualifying rounds.

Since the introduction of the third tier competition Northern Irish clubs have continually won through several rounds but the holy-grail have continued to be a tough nut to crack. Linfield have come the closest of any side to date when they lost out on penalties to RFS in the Conference League play-off two years ago, but Heatley feels it will be a case of sooner rather than later for a club to secure their place in the money-spinning group stages of Europe.

"I think there's a great chance for one of the teams to progress to the group stages in Europe next season, that's certainly the expectation of this league," he said. "I hope it happens and the league continues to grow from strength to strength."

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"I think every time we play in Europe we do have that massive inner confidence that we will go through a round. There have been some magical occasions down the years playing the likes of Wolves and Ludogrets, and the gaffer has got to experience every single one of them so I'm delighted for him. The boys will go in with confidence again no doubt, we'll probably be seeded as well which gives you a great opportunity to progress."

Heatley has experienced plenty of standout moments in Europe down the years with Crusaders including memorable meetings with the likes of Ludogrets, Wolves, Basel and Rosenborg. He admitted there was a slight temptation to postpone his retirement to give it another crack this summer before remembering he would miss the first game following his indiscretion against the Norwegians last year.

"Yeah I would be suspended for the first leg anyway," laughed Heatley. "I'll always be tempted and every single year that passes I'll be watching thinking should I? But no, I think it's only fair that the players who are coming through the ranks and the players coming on board get their first shot at it.

"I think that's the right way to do it and turn into a supporter and get to enjoy the occasions from the stand. I think it's fair to say that's the end of it now. I'm obviously out of contract, the club were very kind to offer me a new deal before Christmas, but I think I had my mind set to call it a day.

"As emotional as it will be over the next couple of weeks as I try to get my head around it, it's probably the right decision. For the time being I have to embrace that and be delighted that I bowed out on such a special occasion."

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