Soccer:Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Richard Brush is looking forward to another Europa League outing tomorrow night, despite admitting the competition represents a journey into the unknown for his side.

Rovers are the first League of Ireland side to progress to the group stages of a major European competition and have suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening Group A fixtures.

A 3-0 reverse to Rubin Kazan at Tallaght Stadium kicked off the campaign before a highly creditable, but ultimately unsuccessful, display in the 3-1 loss to Premier League opponents Tottenham last time out.

Brush, who impressed by keeping Spurs at bay for an hour at White Hart Lane, acknowledges the clash in Thessaloniki will be another tough encounter for a team still finding their feet in the Europa League.

“It’s great to be away and involved in these games. PAOK are another good side; they drew with Spurs. Every game in this competition will be tough.”

With the game being broadcast in England, Birmingham-born Brush is expecting his family to keep an eye on his efforts against PAOK, but he also hopes the game will provide a shop window for Irish football on a wider stage.

“My family couldn’t make the Spurs game as they’ve moved up north to Newcastle but it was on the telly, and this is another good chance for my family to watch me. But it’s also a chance for the football fans over there (in England) to see how much the standard of the game has improved in Ireland.”

PAOK approach the match on the back of a three-game winless streak. Their 2-2 draw with Rubin Kazan was followed by a 2-1 defeat against Super League title rivals Olympiacos and a goalless draw at home to OFI Crete.

They are unbeaten in their last seven European matches, though, and will start as favourites to take the points despite a steady stream of injuries that have disrupted their preparations.