Protasov aiming for winning start

STEAUA BUCHAREST are expected to field at least five internationals for tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Shelbourne, as Oleg Protasov makes his competitive debut as manager of the Romanian champions.

Former Soviet international Protasov was brought in following a championship-winning campaign which saw the dismissal of former Italian international Walter Zenga after a late-season slump in form.

Protasov arrived in time for a European campaign which, it is hoped, will see the Romanian champions qualify for the Champions League proper.

But, first, they must overcome Shelbourne, whom Protasov watched in the home leg of their first round game against Glentoran. Speaking yesterday after the squad arrived in Dublin, Protasov admitted he had an incomplete picture of the Irish champions.

"We saw Shelbourne were very organised and won't be easy for us," he said.

"But I saw a team that was only attacking against a Glentoran side which lacked the strength to oppose them. We will test Shelbourne's defence and then we will see what they are able to do."

Expected to lead the line for Steaua will be new signing Victor Iacob, the top scorer last season with First Division champions Otelul Galati. His selection would mean only a place on the bench for young striker Andrei Cristea.

Veteran midfielder Floretin Dumitru is out with injury, but Protasov will be looking to defenders like skipper and centre-half Radio, and fellow internationals Ogoararu and Ghionea, to contain the threat posed by the Shels players who caught his eye against Glentoran strikers Glen Crowe and Jason Byrne, and winger Richie Baker.

"This is a two-leg game," said the manager.

"The most important thing is not to concede goals in Dublin and then, if possible, to score."

He applies the same philosophy to the prospect of playing in a packed but intimate Tolka Park.

"Our pitch is bigger," he said, "but just as we have to play here so Shelbourne will have to play in Bucharest. We will see who copes best over the two games."

On a light note, he finished by addressing a question about his equalising goal for the Soviet Union against Ireland in Euro '88, saying with a smile: "Although I scored against Ireland, I am not an enemy of Ireland."