- Tommy Healy
- Thu, Jul 11 2024
Shelbourne make their first appearance in a European competition for 18 years as they take on St Joseph’s of Gibraltar at Tolka Park (kick-off is at 7:45pm).
This first leg tie will be broadcast here at the price of €10.
A meeting with Switzerland’s Zurich awaits the winner of this two-legged affair, in the second round of qualifying for the Conference League.
SHELBOURNE
The last time Shels played a European match, was 2006 when they were beaten in the second round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup, 3-1 on aggregate by Odense of Denmark.
At that time, current boss Damien Duff was playing at Newcastle in the Premier League, having recently moved from Chelsea.
New signing Rayhaan Tulloch will not be available for The Reds in this one as he is awaiting international clearance.
Shelbourne have no fresh injury concerns to deal with, potentially giving Duff a selection headache on who to start.
Speaking to the Irish Sun, the Shels manager said, “Myself, my staff, and the players are very proud to be playing in Europe but it’s absolute business beyond that.
“There might be a celebratory mood with people and fans in the stadium, but it absolutely isn’t with us. Unambitious clubs, staff and players would come here in a celebratory mood.
“We’re looking to win the game.”
ST. JOSEPH’S
The Drumcondra based side face Gibraltar’s St. Joseph’s who are back in Europe, missing out last season following six straight seasons of reaching the qualifiers.
St. Joseph’s are out of season currently, losing out on the league title on the final day by two points, drawing 1-1 with Lincoln Red Imps, crowning their opponents’ champions.
Last time out, St. Joseph’s knocked out Northern Irish side Larne in a shock 1-0 aggregate win, before falling to Czech giants Slavia Prague 11-0 over two legs.
Led by Abraham Paz, the central Gibraltar side will pose a big challenge to Shelbourne in their return to European football.
Referee: Luis Teixeira (Andorra)
PREDICTION
Shelbourne 2-0 St. Joseph’s
Shelbourne FC
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
St. Joseph’s
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: N/A.
