The Gypsies needed all three of the remaining Champions League play-off games last Wednesday to go their way for Ireland to qualify through the Domestic Champions Path. Qualification was looking unlikely until Red Bull Salzburg squandered a 2-0 lead to lose out to Red Star Belgrade on away goals.

Former Bohemians goalkeeper Sexton said: “When we found out that we’d be in Europe, the first priority was to try keep the lads focused on tomorrow’s game.

“Obviously we were all absolutely delighted to qualify but we’ve stopped any talk of Europe among the players until after the final. But it’s great for the team and for the club as a whole too.

“Initially I thought we needed Red Bull Salzburg to win so I was cheering them on in the first half until I was put right! Thankfully the results just about went our way.”

Bohs will be in Group 2 of the Domestic Champions Path at tomorrow’s draw. That means they will play one of Chelsea (ENG), Anderlecht (BEL), FC Admira (AUT), Midtjylland (DEN), Elfsborg (SWE), Molde (NOR) or KR (ISL).

The draw takes place from 1pm Irish time. First round first and second legs are due to be played Wednesday October 3 and Wednesday October 24 respectively. The draw for the second round will also take place tomorrow.

Sexton said: “We don’t have a preference about who we’d like to play really.

“Obviously the likes of Chelsea would probably see a massive crowd in Dalymount but then from a team point of view, it would be good for the players to maybe take on a team from further afield and experience something different. But we’ve an open mind about whoever we face.”

Before Sexton and his players can start thinking of Europe, however, they’ve the short trip across town to face St Pat’s and with the Saints top of the Northern Division of the U19 league, they are expecting a tough challenge.

Sexton said: “We’ve only played St Pat’s once this season and they’ve beaten us, they’re six points ahead of us in the division and they’re at home. They will be favourites.

“When we played them at IT Blanchardstown in May, St Pat’s scored twice in the last seven minutes to win 3-1. It was a tight game up until then. We’ve had good battles with St Pat’s in recent seasons and I expect it will be another tight game tomorrow.

“It’s a final, a one-off game so anything can happen. We will be going there determined and focused.”

While silverware would be a welcome added bonus, Sexton is clear about what the objective is at this stage of player development.

The expansion of the national leagues to underage levels in recent seasons has seen League of Ireland clubs take an interest in developing players from a younger age than ever before.

Bohs’ efforts have been bolstered by joining forces with St Kevin’s Boys. They play under the joint umbrella of Bohs-SKB at U15 and U17 level so far and at U13 level in the near future, providing a clear player development pathway from youth level to senior level.

Sexton added: “For us, the priority is developing players to a level that they’re ready for Keith Long and the first team.

“We’ve had Danny Grant, Andy Lyons and Paddy Kirk all play for the first team in the league this season.

“We’ve others knocking on the door too – Steven Nolan, who made his first-team debut last season, and others like Promise Omochere too.

“We want to develop players the right way. Getting players to a good enough standard to play in the first team is our No 1 priority.

“This is the U19s’ third final in three seasons so far – the Shield in 2016, the league last year and now the Enda McGuill Cup – so we feel we have had a group that have developed a mindest and togetherness.

“They’ve done exceptionally well and the season doesn’t hinge on tomorrow’s game. They can be extremely proud of their efforts and results over the course of the year so far.

“There’s great belief within the squad, a determination to do well and to improve further.”

That win made it five wins from their last six games – losing only to Dundalk – and having kept five clean sheets while scoring 24 goals in the process.

Long said: “I thought we were very good down in Galway, my only complaint was we could have scored more.

“The application of the players was spot on. Galway were a different proposition to what we’re used to. They defended deep and that allowed us a lot of possession.

“We created a lot of chances – we hit the crossbar, missed a penalty – so we were pleased with the performance overall.

“We were all delighted to progress. It’s obviously a competition we all want to do well in. But that’s last week, it’s in the past, we’ve another game to try win now.”

Long has strengthened his squad ahead of the trip north with the addition of Robbie McCourt.

The 20-year-old, a product of St Kevin’s, joins the club having spent the last three years with West Brom.

Long said: “Robbie’s a very good footballer. He can play centre-back and at left-back but I’ve brought him to the club primarily believing he can operate as a defensive midfielder for us.

“He’s a very talented player and was much sought-after when he was at St Kevin’s before going to West Brom.

“It’ll obviously take time for a player coming home from England to adapt to first-team football, players can find that transition more difficult than they had anticipated.

“But obviously we hope he clicks quickly – we don’t have as many games as you would like for a player to kick in.

“He’s great prospect and wants to do well. He’s a local lad too, from Glasnevin. He’s a technical player, very good on the ball and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Another recent addition to the squad, Ryan Masterson, made his first-team debut as a late substitute in last Friday’s game in Galway.

Long added: “Ryan has pace and power. He gives us something different in attack.

“Again he’s joined up with us at a time of season where you’re running out of games to impress but he’s been excellent in training and has given us something to think about.”

TEAM NEWS

Cristian Magerusan (hamstring) is ruled out. Ryan Swan (cruciate) remains out.

“I met Oran on many occasions as have all the staff and players. He was an extremely popular lad. His enthusiasm would almost take you back when met him at first and I know the enthusiasm he showed for the team from the stands was infectious among our supporters as well.

“I want to put on record the regard with which he was held by all of us at the club. When we heard the news earlier in the week, we were all absolutely devastated.

“We’re all devastated for his parents – I can’t begin to imagine what they’re going through at this time. Our love goes out to them.

“We hope the turnout at the funeral later will be of some comfort to those close to him. We’ll be there as we want to help in any small way we can.”

Oran’s funeral mass will be held at midday today at St Patrick’s Church, Skerries. May he rest in peace.