The New Saints’ hopes for a successful European campaign have already been given a huge boost as it was confirmed the club will be seeded for the Champions League draw next month.

It means now that if Saints will avoid huge names such as Celtic and Red Star Belgrade – both former winners of the trophy – who enter the tournament a round earlier.

Plus, with TNS on a ‘champions path’ under a new format, it will help bring boss Scott Ruscoe one step closer to his dream of a long European run for the Park Hall club; if they are beaten, they will fall into the Europa League qualifying which is different from previous seasons.

Previously, Saints knew their opposition would come from one of just four teams for the first qualifying round, but now face potentially 17 different draws.

They will also avoid Ludogrets Razgrad from Bulgaria, who have made the Champions League group stages in recent years.

The draw for the first qualifying round is on June 19.

Meanwhile, Saints midfielder Tom Holland has extended his stay at Park Hall by signing a new deal at the club.

The 21-year-old former Swansea and Manchester City man was Ruscoe's first signing last summer and he made a huge impression in a double trophy winning year.

After adding the JD Welsh Premier League and Nathaniel MG Cup winners’ medals to his own personal collection, the Yorkshire-born midfielder was then presented with the Players’ Young Player Of The Season award recent celebration evening.

And despite interest in his signature elsewhere, Holland admits it was Champions League football that convinced to sign on again.

“I’ m delighted to have signed," he told TNS's website. “As I only played briefly in the Champions League last season, I’m looking forward to that and testing myself against some European teams.

"I’ve enjoyed it while I’ve been here playing with this group of lads and think I’ve developed playing under Scotty and Evo (Ruscoe and Steve Evans). I hope to continue developing and win more trophies."

Ruscoe added: “It’s great news for the club that Tom has extended his contract with us. He’s had an excellent first season in the JD Welsh Premier League and has been the standout young player by a long way.”

Saints will be expected back into pre-season at the start of June ahead of potential European campaign.