Rooney urges fans to support Shels

FAI chief executive Fran Rooney has appealed to all football fans to get out and support Shelbourne in tomorrow night’s Champions League qualifier against Hajduk Split.

Rooney said he wanted Tolka Park filled when the eircom League champions take on the Croatians, trailing by a single goal.

Pat Fenlon’s side gave themselves a lifeline for the second leg by scoring two away goals in a 3-2 defeat last week.

“League football in Ireland and Shelbourne FC have had a traditional fan base down through the years,” Rooney said.

“I call on that fan base to turn out on Wednesday night for this mouth watering tie and create the type of atmosphere associated with Ireland’s games at Lansdowne Road.

“It is an important game for Shelbourne and the domestic game in Ireland generally.”

Victory for Shelbourne would see them qualify for a lucrative final qualifying round game against top Spanish team Deportivo La Coruna, who lost to eventual winners Porto in last season’s semi-finals.