Linfield manager David Healy has highlighted the importance of ensuring his side are still in their Conference League first qualifying round tie against Estonian outfit Nõmme Kalju when they return to Windsor Park next week.

The Blues travel to Estonia on Thursday evening for the first-leg at Pärnu Rannastaadion – it’s a change of home venue for Kalju, who usually play at the Hiiu Stadium around 90 minutes away in Tallinn.

Nõmme Kalju are returning to Europe for a second consecutive season – they were knocked out at the second qualifying round stage by League of Ireland outfit St Patrick's Athletic last year and currently sit third in the Estonian top flight, 12 points adrift of leaders Levadia.

Linfield came within touching distance of securing League Phase qualification last term, losing out in a play-off to Shelbourne, who will once again provide opposition if Healy’s men secure progression past Kalju.

placeholder image — Linfield manager David Healy. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

Winning away from home in Europe is a tough task – Linfield lost three and drew one of four matches on the road in continental competitions last season, but impressed at Windsor Park, beating Žalgiris and Víkingur alongside drawing with Shels in the Champions League.

The challenge for Irish League clubs is increased further against teams who are already in league action – Nõmme Kalju have played 19 games so far this season while Linfield have contested just one pre-season friendly with Saturday’s defeat to Kilmarnock.

Healy has challenged his side to remain competitive in Estonia before finishing the job next week in Belfast.

"We have to get there (up to speed) very quickly because we have the European game on Thursday,” Healy told the club’s media channel. “It's not like the majority of other clubs at times when they come in at the middle of June and get five or six weeks of a build up, but that's the challenge of playing in Europe.

"We want to do that, we want the opportunity, we have it and we're trying to get as fit as we can.

"The players are understanding, the players have been here before, they know the routine and timescale we have to do that. The players have maintained fitness levels and when they come back in we're getting them ready to play again.

"Like most European teams, they're (Nõmme Kalju) strong at home. I know it's not their actual home in terms of where they usually play, but most European teams when they're at home, they're better than when they travel.

"It's important we're as fit as we can be going into it, organised, disciplined, and making sure when we return here the following Thursday that we're certainly well in the tie.”