Shels have high hopes

Premier Division champions Shelbourne will be hoping for a perfect start when they kick off the new eircom League season against newly-promoted UCD at Tolka Park on Wednesday night.

With an even stronger squad that last season, Shelbourne will be expected to easily brush aside the students though manager Pat Fenlon has just 16 players available because of a number of injuries and suspensions.

Wes Hoolahan, Joseph Ndo and Glen Fitzpatrick are all injured and will miss the clash as will suspended trio, Jason Byrne, Jim Crawford and David Crawley. However, their wealth of riches ensures that they will not be overstretched with Colin Hawkins, Glen Crowe, Bobby Ryan and Gary O’Neill all set to make their debuts.

“We’ve only got 16 left so all the new lads are in with a chance,” said Pat Fenlon. “No game is easy and UCD are a good side and we know that any complacency will be punished.”

UCD, meanwhile, will be without suspended duo, Tony McDonnell and Anthony Murphy, while Robert McAuley is ruled out with a knee problem. It means Pete Mahon will be forced to select inexperienced midfield pair, Gary Dicker and Stephen Hurley.