Shels aim to set up Boavista clash

Maltese hot-shot Adrian Mifsud could end Shelbourne’s dream of a money-spinning tie against Portuguese side Boavista.

Champions Shelbourne meet Malta's Hibernians in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie at Ta’Qali this evening.

But they travelled to the Mediterranean with apprehension after conceding six goals in their opening two games of the new League of Ireland season.

New player-manager Pat Fenlon and his assistant John McDonnell have spent the last few days working on defensive tactics as they bid to plug the leaks.

If they fail to tighten up their over-generous defence then Mifsud will certainly be capable of punishing them.

The 27-year-old scored 27 goals last season as Hibernians ended a seven-year wait for their ninth league title and walked off with a handful of awards including Player of the Year.

Hibernians manager Robert Gatt watched Shelbourne’s 3-3 draw with Drogheda United last Friday and believes there is nothing between the sides.

"We are very close and I think the team which makes the least mistakes will advance to the next round," said Gatt.

The Maltese champions have several injury worries after a 3-2 win over Sliema last week but are expected to be at full strength while Shelbourne have ruled out midfielder Davy Byrne because of a hamstring injury and must plan without suspended striker Stephen Geoghegan.

But Fenlon is still confident his side will prevail.

"They are a well organised side and very good on set-pieces but I believe we are just as good as them and capable of winning the tie," said Fenlon.

Meanwhile Northern Ireland's Portadown have been hit by injuries and unavailability as they bid to overcome Belarus side Belshina Bobruisk.

They will be without centre-half Cullen Feeley for today’s home leg following a shoulder operation for an injury picked up in the Irish Cup final against Linfield.

Right-back Stephen Douglas is available but will miss the trip to Belarus as he is away on holiday.

Attacking midfielder Wesley Boyle, recently returned to Portadown from Leeds United, is doubtful with ankle damage.

But goalkeeper David Wells has not been released for the game by Cliftonville where his contract does not expire until October 3, leaving Portadown relying on 45-year-old Micky Keenan.

And Michael Collins, who scored an outstanding goal in a recent friendly with Oldham, is banned from European competition after head-butting an opponent when playing for Cliftonville three years ago.