Manchester City's European dream might hang in the balance this season but for a former Blues youngster, the continental campaign has already been an outstanding success with the prospect of more to come.
The Conference League might have its doubters in this country given the way Chelsea steamrolled through the league phase with a perfect record, an 8-0 win and a plus 21 goal difference from just six games.
All while leaving talisman and former City man Cole Palmer out of the squad. But the competition has shone a light on sides from the smaller leagues in Europe and has presented some with historic nights.
From Bosnia to Belarus, the competition is nothing if not eclectic. And one of the biggest success stories has come from just over the Irish Sea with Shamrock Rovers reaching the play-off round.
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