Champions of North and Republic meet in Champions League

The champions of Northern Ireland and the Republic meet tonight for the first time since 1984.

While the focus in England and Wales fell on Anfield, where Liverpool and TNS met at the same first-round stage of the Champions League qualification tournament, in Ireland this was a hugely significant match.

The Oval in Belfast was the venue for the first leg of the clash between Glentoran and Shelbourne, their counterparts from the south.

Dublin-side Shelbourne went into the game with a distinct advantage due to the fact they are currently in the middle of their eircom League season, while Belfast-based Glentoran have barely started pre-season.

Shels boss Pat Fenlon was able to call on defender Colin Hawkins and midfielder Richie Baker, with the duo having shaken off calf and foot injuries respectively, while Jim Crawford was on the bench after a three-week lay-off with a groin problem.

Glens manager Roy Coyle was without holidaying Mark Glendinning and Pat McGibbon, while another defender in Peter McCann was out with a hip problem.