National League club's new found professionalism is once again paying dividends in Europe and a coveted place in the group stage of the multi-million pound UEFA Champions League is achievable by a domestic side in the near future.

That's the considered view of Bohemians manager Pete Mahon in the aftermath of his side's safe passage through to a second round meeting with Sweden's Halmstad BK next week.

Bohemians reward so far is £160,000, exclusive of gate receipts. Getting past Hamlstad will put them alongside the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool in the third round draw with potentially huge financial offerings from television.

"The marker has been set by ourselves and Shelbourne," said Mahon. "I think you will see more and more professional full-timers in the game here. That's the way forward."