8000 fans will greet Bohemians as they attempt to continue their European odyssey tonight. 

The Dubliners take to the Aviva Stadium once again in their Europa Conference League second-round qualifier with Dudelange.

An eye-catching 1-nil win in the first leg in Luxembourg means Keith Long's side are in a good position to progress to the third round.

Midfielder Keith Ward says he is looking forward to the chance to play in front of a large crowd once again.

The game is a sell-out, even after an increase in capacity after 6000 fans attended their win over Stjarnan two weeks ago.

"I couldn't believe the noise," Ward told the club's YouTube channel of the experience two weeks ago.

"I think it took everyone by surprise, the players, even the fans, for 6000 I didn't think it'd be that noisy.

"Even with the extra 2000 on Thursday it'll go up a notch again so I think it's just great, to get to play in front of fans again and to play in the Aviva, it doesn't get better than that."

Ross Tierney's goal last week means Bohs have a 1-nil advantage heading into tonight's encounter.

However, Ward is conscious of the quality Dudelange possess - and their ability to turn things around in Dublin.

"Coming back from Luxembourg the other day, it was a tough game over there,"

"They're a very good side and I think it was a step up as in the quality we've played against.

"To come away with the 1-0 win was brilliant but I still think we can play a lot better."

Into his sixth year now at Dalymount Park, Ward says he believes they are on the right track in establishing themselves as contenders for honours each year.

"Days out like that, I've been waiting a while to get to the Aviva with Bohs.

"The club's going in the right direction under Keith and I still feel we're going in the right direction."