The Blues' learnt of their opponents as the eargerly awaited draw was made in Nyon, Switzerland on Tuesday.



David Jeffreys' side will face the Croatian Champions, who knocked Ajax out of the Uefa Cup in the 2007-2008 campaign, at Windsor Park on Wednesday July 16, with a daunting away trip to the 40,000-capacity Maksimir Stadium for the second leg on Wednesday July 23.

Zagreb, who were the top seeded side in the Northern Section draw, have won their domestic league for the previous three seasons and have a squad full of international talent, including captain and former Liverpool defender Igor Biscan.

Peter Thompson, the Blues' top scorer last season, is relishing the tie.

He commented, "It will be extremely tough out there, especially with the heat and the quality of the opposition. But it is an exciting prospect, playing such a team in a big stadium. That's what it is all about when you are a footballer, and you want to play against the best out there.

"Obviously you would love to progress, but you have to enjoy moments like these as well. We will give it 100 per cent and see how we do."

The winners of the clash will face Dudelange of Luxembourg or Domzale of Slovenia in the second round.

Linfield will kick-off their Euro preparations with a pre-season friendly against Ballyclare Comrades tomorrow (Saturday), before meeting Carrick Rangers next Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the Blues look set to reject a reported £150,000 bid from Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock for Peter Thompson.

With any offer likely to include future payments based on appearances and goals scored by the striker, the speculated deal has been firmly rejected by the club.



Linfield manager David Jeffrey has committed himself to the club until 2013 after agreeing a new three-year extension to his contract.

The former Blues defender has been in charge of Linfield for 11 successful years, with his team claiming six league titles, four Irish Cup triumphs and the club completed a hat-trick of doubles last season.