Kevin Deery celebrates his first Derry goal on Thursday night

The club look certain to qualify for the first round proper after their 5-1 away leg win over Gretna on Thursday.

Derry's venue can only host 3,000 spectators for European games and Lansdowne Road appears a likely option.

"Our hearts would say that we want to stay in the Brandywell but we have to be realistic as well," said club chief executive Jim Roddy.

"If we are only going to be able to accommodate 2,500 to 3,000 people into the Brandywell and there's a demand for 10,000 tickets, then we have to consider that."

Roddy told BBC Newsline that discussions will be held "with all the parties involved".

"We'll discuss it with our manager (Stephen Kenny) and with our directors and with lots of supporters.

"Please God, whatever decision we make, it will be right not only for the club but for the city itself."

Roddy acknowledged that the club is losing out on financial revenue because of their limited ground capacity for the European games.

"You are not making the money you should be making in these ties. History is being created and you are denying Derry people the chance to see their heroes play.

"There's a lot of consideration around that but it's great to be in this position."

Big clubs that Derry could draw in the first round proper include Rangers, Tottenham, West Ham and Newcastle.

Derry will face Gretna in the return game at the Brandywell on 24 August while the first round proper games are scheduled for 14 and 28 September.