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“We had a massive shock last year against Dundalk with the way they pressed and pushed us down, especially at the beginning,” said skipper Mike Jensen yesterday, recalling his side’s aggregate 3-2 win after extra time in the Champions League qualifier in 2017.

“That shouldn’t happen now. I hope we have learned. It was the same with Sligo Rovers, the same type of playing. That’s how it is over here and I hope we’re prepared for it as I think it will be the same against Cork.”

Jensen also insists that, in contrast to the diffidence which he feels contributed to Rosenborg’s Champions League undoing against Celtic this season, his team will seek to impose themselves on City’s own patch tonight.

“We saw some things about Cork and know their strengths but we believe we can do some damage to them,” he said.

“But we need to be prepared for what’s waiting for us with their players, their style of play and the crowd here. Unlike the last time, when we played Celtic, this time we can’t hide. We need to believe in ourselves and go for the win.”

Rosenborg players protested in public when three-time league winning manager Kare Ingebrigtsen was sensationally sacked on the eve of the Celtic tie but his replacement, interim boss Rini Coolen, maintains that the turbulence caused by the controversy has now passed.

“It was clear what the players thought but it’s also clear how they responded,” he said. “I found a group of players that were very focused and concentrated and happy to do everything they can to be professional footballers. The way they reacted in training and on the pitch was a compliment and they handled it very well.”

Although injuries have robbed the Norwegian champions of three regulars in Cork — right winger Pal Andre Halland, midfielder and vice-captain Anders Konradsen and highly-rated 22-year-old Nigerian attacking midfielder Samuel Adegbenro — Coolen is convinced his side have more than enough to get them past the Irish champions and into the Europa League play-off round.

“We have high expectations to go through, yes,” he confirmed.

“That’s what we’re here for. To play good football and create chances to score one or more goals and create good circumstances for the second leg.

“You need to respect your opponents and there are no easy games at this level. Who is the underdog? Maybe it’s us as we play away? But over the two games it makes sense that we are the favourites and we have to handle it.”