Derry, who lie third in the Premier Division in the Republic of Ireland, produced the surprise of the last round, defeating IFK Gothenburg.

Gretna assistant manager Davie Irons said the Second Division champions were pleased with the draw.

"It'll be a British style game and it's not the unknown quantity we could have had," he added.

"I've spoken to (manager) Rowan (Alexander), who's in Geneva for the draw, and he's very pleased. It's great."

Gretna won their place by being Scottish Cup runners-up.

They lost the final on penalties to Hearts, who qualified for the Champions League and Scottish Premier League runners-up.

Gretna will have to play the first leg at Fir Park, the home of Motherwell, on 10 August with their own Raydale Park failing to meet Uefa stadia requirements.

The return will be at the Brandywell two weeks later, with the winners going into the first round and the chance to qualify for the group stage.

Derry chairman Jim Roddy, whose beat the two-time Uefa Cup winners Gothenburg 2-0 on aggregate in the previous qualifying round, said: "It is great for the fans of both clubs as it will not be too expensive for them.

"The fact that we are well into our season might give us more of a chance.

"We will give it our best shot and you never know."

Derry have been transformed under new manager Stephen Kenny, who had been sacked by Bohemians, since turning full-time.