Dundee United may still be basking in Scottish Cup glory, but goalkeeper Dusan Pernis is already looking ahead to the Europa League.
Their Hampden heroics mean the Tannadice men go straight into the final play-off round, with the first leg on August 19 and the second a week later.
The draw, which will be made on August 6, will see the Tangerines go into the hat alongside English big guns Manchester City and Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old has experience of facing Villa, having played them in a UEFA Cup tie in December 2008 while at his former club MSK Zilina.
So it is little wonder Pernis, who has been trying to get a flight back to Slovakia to join up with their provisional World Cup squad, is relishing the prospect.
He knows, however, that mixing in such elite company will be difficult.
He said, “I have my Scottish Cup medal in my pocket and I can’t wait to show my family when I get a flight home soon.
“The whole season was great and as it went on the results just got better and better.
“Now we have European football to look forward to.”
He added, “I have had maybe three seasons in European competition, so I am well aware how hard it will be.
“The Europa League is best for Dundee United because we were third, while the first and second places went to Rangers and Celtic, who will be in the Champions League.
“I think that will be a fine level for us.”
Pernis admitted to being shocked at the extent of the celebrations over the weekend as, in tune with most continental countries, Slovakia doesn’t place too much importance on its national cup competition.
He said, “I did not realise the cup was such a big thing in Scotland but now I do.
“This is a great time for me and the club.”
He added, “The celebrations have been amazing.
“It has all been crazy.”