It will be an all-Irish battle when Northern Ireland's Larne FC take on Shamrock Rovers in the Europa Conference League and Patrice Evra has made a surprise visit to the former ahead of the match.
Larne are in Europe for the first time in their history and will host Rovers in what is their first ever home European fixture.
The club will use Windsor Park - Northern Ireland's national stadium - for the clash, as they look to claim points against a side which is on a bit of a high in Europe right now.
Rovers showed true spirit to salvage a late draw against APOEL in Tallaght, Dublin last time out and will be looking to assert their status in a game they will view a must-win.
However, Larne have beneffitted from the presence of a former UEFA Champions League winner in the form of Evra, who made a shock visit to the club this week.
Welcome to Larne, @Evra 👋
Another big name in town to watch the Inver Reds in the #UECL 🌎#IWasThere #ForTheTown— Larne Football Club (@larnefc) October 22, 2024
Patrice Evra paid visit to Larne FC ahead of Shamrock Rovers duel
The Frenchman, who enjoyed a decorated career in the Premier League, is friends with the owner of the club's title sponsors Pride & Pinion as per the Belfast Telegraph.
It is a huge occasion and owner Nico Leonard called on his friend Evra to impart some of his wisdom on the club ahead of Thursday's meeting in Belfast.
Patrice Evra is an Inver Red 🔴⚽️😁
The former Manchester United star visited @larnefc ahead of their Uefa Conference League clash with Shamrock Rovers on Thursday ⚽️🏆#BBCFootball #BBCIrishPrem pic.twitter.com/5CYvDQmoKY— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) October 22, 2024
Evra spoke to BBC Northern Ireland when at the club, where he claimed that he will only become a Larne fan is they can get the better of Rovers on Thursday.
I am a Larne fan if they win Thursday," he said.
"I want to bring my belief. I think in life if you believe in something, you can achieve anything and that is why I am here. So far, I am quite impressed with the facilities.
"It was 1889 when this club was formed. I love history and that is what they need to understand when they play for this club - the history and where they come from."
Evra will be in attendance when the match gets underway at Windsor Park.
Local boxing hero Carl Frampton also showed up to the club on Monday to offer his support ahead of their meeting with the reigning League of Ireland champions.
Good to see the boys at @larnefc today. Best of luck lads! pic.twitter.com/g32fSNjXAf
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) October 21, 2024
The former two-weight world champion gave a speech to the Larne players as they gear up for the battle.
Safe to say they are taking Thursday's bout with Rovers very seriously.
