A Swindon striker is preparing to appear in Europe's most prestigious competition this evening just nine months after turning out for Dr Martens outfit Supermarine.

Dave Toomey and his Barry Town teammates are in Latvia this evening, where they face Skonto Riga in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie.

Toomey, 31, was Marine's leading light during the early part of last season, prompting League of Wales Champions Barry to snap up the classy hitman at the end of October.

The striker was an immediate success across the border, and chipped in with some important goals as Barry romped to another title.

Now Toomey who is still based in Swindon aims to fire his side within sight of Europe's elite.

Barry must negotiate three hurdles to make the Champions League group stages and while that seems a distant dream, success in the first two rounds could set up a potential clash with Manchester United or Newcastle, both of whom come in in round three.

"It's amazing," enthused Toomey. "This time last year I was playing in the Dr Martens League, and now I'm playing in the Champions League. It's an unbelievable experience."

Toomey added: "We arrived early to acclimatise, because it's actually pretty warm over here. We've also been back in training for three and a half weeks. We didn't get much of a break, but it's definitely worth it."

While Toomey is bracing himself for a baptism of fire, the majority of the side have seen it all before.

Barry beat FC Shamkir of Azerbaijan 3-0 on aggregate in the first round last year before coming back to earth with a bang at the second stage, losing 8-0 at Portuguese giants Porto.

But the Welshmen salvaged some pride with a superb 3-1 win in the return.