John Russell’s Reds switch focus to Dublin Derby in Tolka Park | OneFootball

John Russell’s Reds must regroup and refocus ahead of this Sunday’s Dublin derby against St Patrick’s Athletic. Despite a hectic recent schedule on the continent, the Shelbourne manager is energised by his side’s efforts in Amsterdam on Thursday night. Speaking to Shels TV Russell said: “We are really looking forward to the game against St Pat’s, I think the way we finished the game against Ajax was important, the effort we showed and the reaction after the penalty save to keep the tie alive was excellent. The performance we showed is definitely something we can build on now and look to take into this Sunday’s game.”

A gritty and gruelling night at the Johan Cruyff Area was taxing on the players but Russell is pleased to have emerged without any renewed injury worries. Speaking on the fitness of the squad at large Russell said: “We had to do a lot of running on Thursday so we will have to recover from that but we’re glad to have Mipo back involved now and we’re hopeful that he might get 5 or 10 minutes on Sunday depending on how the game unfolds. Odhrán Casey got a run out in Amsterdam too, and that was good to get some more minutes in his legs also.”

It has been a whirlwind of a start to life as Shelbourne boss, with games home and away in Europe, but Sunday will mark the first Dublin derby under Russell’s stewardship. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to Tolka Park again. Dublin derbies are massive, fiery occasions and I fully expect that energy to be in the ground on Sunday. We’ll need that energy from the home fans again to be able to go and attack the game because we need those 3 points.”

With 600 or so Shelbourne fans making themselves seen and heard in the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday night it has been a Herculean effort from Reds’ supporters of late following their side home and away. “I’m only in the door, but in the home game against Kalju, that display, the fans and the atmosphere was amazing. They brought the energy that night and in Amsterdam as well and helped to make it a really special night against one of the world’s top clubs. And at home, when the Riverside is bouncing, it’s intimidating and it gives real energy to our players. With all of the travelling that we’ve done of late the supporters’ energy is going to be vital for us and I’m looking forward to seeing that again this Sunday.”

Kick-off at Tolka Park is at 5pm.