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Stewart played in Europe with former club Glentoran before enjoying a more “special” adventure with Portadown.
“Even though we were playing across the border, the Serbians came in huge numbers and they were very loud and very hostile,” he explained of Hungary’s away leg.
“It made the occasion more difficult but as a footballer it’s always great to walk into an environment like that. Those are the nights you dream about.
“When you stand next to these guys and they’re 6’3” or 6’4”, you’re facing the best athletes with sheer power and speed and it’s a challenge.
“People have asked me over the years, what’s it like when you play against elite full-time players and it’s just this – they think faster, they run faster, they’re stronger.
“You were apprehensive, but not afraid, because my attitude was to embrace it. You are afraid of them but you have a job to do and you don’t want to let yourself down.”
The Ports defender felt that a four-goal reverse against Europe’s best represented a convincing result.
“We came out at the end of the night 4-0 down after conceding two late goals but we are extremely proud of how we performed on the night and rose to the challenge.
“Sinisa Mihajlovic played most of his career in Italy from Red Star with Lazio and Sampdoria. He was special and scored two late free-kicks from outside the box.
“When you saw those free-kicks being taken from 30 yards out you probably thought you were safe but this guy, he ended his career being recognized as one of the best dead ball specialists the game has ever seen. He stood out.”
The second leg at Shamrock Park was a memorable occasion for the visitors, with 1991 European Golden Boot winner Darko Pancev among the goalscorers.
“There was tremendous excitement. It was a great night for the fans, a tremendous reward for their support,” reflected Stewart.
“To play the European champions at Shamrock Park is something that will never happen again, probably at any Irish League ground.
“Darko Pancev, who moved to AC Milan a year later, was scoring goals for fun in the Yugoslav league and moved to Italy, which was the same place as the Premier League at the time. He was a great striker.”
Reigning Irish League champions Larne host Red Stars in the first leg of their tie on 21 July (20:00 BST), with the second leg away from home on Wednesday, 29 July (19:00 BST).
