Fenlon aims for defensive strength
Shelbourne will be looking for a repeat of last year’s Champions League heroics when they meet Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest in the second round first leg at Tolka Park tonight.
Having seen off Hadjuk Split at this stage last year, Shelbourne know they have the ability and experience to see off a side of the quality of Steaua Bucharest – even if it remains a mammoth effort.
This season, however, they are at home in the first leg and manager Pat Fenlon admitted that even getting a 0-0 draw tonight would be a good result because any away goal in Romania next week would give Shelbourne a great chance of progressing.
“We don’t want to lose the game or concede goals. If we can go to Romania with some sort of result and the tie alive, I’ll be happy. It’s important that we’re defensively sound as well as trying to nick a goal,” said Fenlon.
The manager has a near fully fit squad to choose from and must decide whether to name an unchanged side after last week’s impressive 4-1 victory over Glentoran or recall the experienced Alan Moore who is back to full fitness.
Former Ireland defender Curtis Fleming is also available this week after joining the club on Thursday and could be in line for his European debut.
