Joey O’Brien: Confidence and quality building in Europe | OneFootball

The Reds host Kosovan side FC Drita at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night in Matchday 3 of the UEFA Conference League League Phase.

Speaking ahead of the game, Reds boss Joey O’Brien began with a team news update, confirming that only long-term absentees Conor Kearns and Sam Bone remain unavailable, while Sean Moore continues to be monitored after a recent groin issue:

“All in good shape following the Pats game, no new injuries. Full squad to choose from, except for the long-term absentees, who are continuing to make progress.”

O’Brien said the squad is looking forward to another major European night, with momentum building from a strong domestic run which saw the Reds finish in the top three and guarantee Europe for next season:

“We’ve done our homework. We’ve watched them twice live and have eyes on them. Looked at their games in Europe and in the league. In the UEFA Conference League they’ve had two draws recently, two good results against tough opposition. They’re technically strong, work hard, and carry a real threat on the break. They’ve scored in both games, from crosses. They’ve good players out wide and a centre-forward who’s a real handful.”

A win on Thursday would mark a major step in Shelbourne’s first European group campaign in history, and the manager knows what it would mean to a young group who have grown a lot since their first European game back in July:

“The format adds something new. There’s no second leg, so you’re not holding back and neither are they. It’s a game we’re really looking forward to. The lads have come on a lot over the past few months in Europe, I suppose really started to see that with Qarabag. That experience, you take so much from it. The performances and moments from that tie showed we were up against a real top team, and the lads took great confidence from it. The goals and scoreline maybe don’t show a real reflection of how we managed at that level. With every European game, you see the quality you’re up against and you want more of that. Especially that night at Tolka against Qarabag, we were the better team for spells and if we scored, it could’ve been different. As we’ve progressed in Europe It’s gone up a notch in intensity and quality, and the lads have really embraced it, and you see them growing all the time.”

With the domestic campaign at an end, O’Brien will be focused on keeping the players match sharp for the remaining fixtures, he’s confident they will cope:

“This one is in the flow, so soon after Pats. After it, we’ll manage things with a programme. We’ve mapped it all out well. Mauro and the medical team have the plan in place, a few days off, then back at it with the training camp, friendlies and all that. The lads will get a short break after tomorrow then back to it, and being honest, players, coaches, it’s where we all want to be, and where the club deserves to be.”