Shelbourne Aims for History in Europa Conference League Play-Off

Joey O’Brien has delivered a powerful message to his Shelbourne squad as they prepare for a critical match against Linfield in the Europa Conference League play-off. The team holds a 3-1 lead from the first leg and is set to face Linfield at Windsor Park, aiming to secure a spot in the next round of the tournament. O’Brien emphasized the importance of channeling the same spirit that led them to victory in last year’s Premier Division title race.

Reflecting on the team’s previous triumph, O’Brien recounted how they were not expected to succeed, stating, “no one gave us a chance” last season. The dramatic title win came on the final day at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, and he believes that the same mindset can propel his players through this potentially challenging tie.

O’Brien was accompanied by Harry Wood, whose late goal last November against Derry City was pivotal in bringing the title back to Tolka Park after 18 years. He recalled his time playing for Shamrock Rovers, where despite facing supposedly larger clubs, he and his teammates never felt inferior. He wishes to instill that same confidence in his current players.

The Shelbourne manager pointed out that their recent experiences competing against teams such as Qarabag and HNK Rijeka have prepared them for high-stakes matches. Although they narrowly lost to Rijeka, the mindset of striving to win was crucial. O’Brien stated, “You go out and you perform. That’s how I see football and that’s how players should see football all the time.”

O’Brien is adamant that his team will not adopt a defensive approach to their two-goal advantage. “It’s not about hanging on to what we have or hoping for the best. It’s about going out and trying to win the game,” he asserted. His players are focused on showing their strengths rather than simply protecting their lead.

The cancellation of last weekend’s league match against Shamrock Rovers has provided an opportunity for players with minor injuries to recover, including the return of Sean Boyd. However, goalkeeper Conor Kearns will remain sidelined for this match.

The first leg against Linfield was a dramatic encounter, marked by a red card shown to a Linfield player early on. Shelbourne initially took a two-goal lead before Linfield managed to pull one back. A crucial moment came when on-loan goalkeeper Wessel Speel saved a penalty awarded to Linfield, which O’Brien described as “a massive moment” for the team.

Acknowledging the unpredictability of football, O’Brien remarked, “That can happen tomorrow night for them.” He emphasized that the team must not become complacent, likening a false sense of security to being “unsafe.”

With high hopes and a well-prepared squad, Shelbourne is eager to make history tonight. The atmosphere at Windsor Park promises to be electric as they aim to advance further in the Europa Conference League. O’Brien’s message is clear: a win is the only objective.