Kilmarnock discover Europa League fate as Dutch heavyweights Ajax avoided

Kilmarnock have been handed a mouthwatering tie with Cercle Brugge in the Europa League second qualifying round.

Derek McInnes' side discovered their fate today as the draw was made at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. Unseeded Killie could have faced Ajax, Molde, Rapid Wien or Trabzonspor. But it was confirmed that they'll be on their way to Belgium to face Cercle Brugge, who finished fourth in the Pro League last season.

The first leg will take place at Rugby Park on Thursday July 25, with the second leg being held at the 29,000-seater Jan Breydel Stadium on August 1. Kick off times have still to be confirmed.

It's a huge exciting draw for Killie fans as they look forward to just a second European adventure since 2000. They'll hope for a better showing than their last European calamity against Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads. in 2019.

And while the men from Ayrshire will be huge underdogs against Cercle Brugge, Kilmarnock still have the safety net of the Conference League third qualifying round if they fail to pull off a major upset.