This UEFA Cup second qualifying round first leg encounter had already generated plenty of interest amongst Drogheda supporters - whose club are odds-on to land their first title after 44 years in the League of Ireland.

But the fact that Larsson - whose introduction by Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final in Paris proved so devastating for Arsenal - is in town ensures the 'full house' signs will go up at the famous old stadium which once housed 45,000 for an Ireland-England international in 1957.

Helsingborgs manager Stuart Baxter revealed on his squad's arrival in Dublin that the former Sweden striker is suffering from a cold and that a decision on his inclusion will be made in the morning.

However, Drogheda fully expect him to feature - although manager Paul Doolin has no intention of delegating one of his defenders to man-mark Larsson.

The striker scored twice for Manchester United during his 10 week stay at Old Trafford last season - despite the obvious threat he poses.

Doolin explained: "We never really go man for man, although if he is causing us trouble we might need to look at it.

"We have a solid back four so I don't feel as if we need to concentrate on him."

Drogheda return to Dalymount as they are unable to use their own United Park ground 30 miles away due to UEFA club licensing regulations.

However, they enjoy playing at the home of Bohemians - where they boast a 100% European record after last month's 3-0 first qualifying round success over Libertas of San Marino and last year's 3-1 and 1-0 wins against HJK Helsinki and IK Start of Norway respectively, also in the UEFA Cup.

With right-back Brian Shelley hoping to overcome a hip injury following intensive treatment, Doolin's only dilemma is in midfield.

The manager must decide if Ireland Under-21 star Paul Keegan, on the bench in last Friday's crucial league win over St Patrick's Athletic, should start after his man of the match display against Libertas which included two goals.

"The large pitch at Dalymount suits our game because in Europe it's vital for teams to retain possession," added Doolin - who as a 21-year-old starred in a 3-2 UEFA Cup victory by Bohs against Rangers on this ground back in 1984.

"We've shown against Scandinavian opposition twice last year that we can hold our own so the players won't be in awe of Helsingborgs.

"But as a club we are novices in Europe. Last season was the club's first back in Europe for 23 years."

In their short-lived UEFA Cup campaign in 1983-84, Drogheda crashed 14-0 on aggregate to Tottenham after losing the first leg 6-0 at home.

Spurs went on to win the cup, while it has taken Drogheda a generation to reclaim a place at the top of the Irish game.