'We're here to attack the game': Shels boss not banking on first-leg lead against Rijeka

Due to historical crowd issues, Rijeka will not have any travelling support at Tolka Park.

Shelbourne head coach Joey O'Brien has plenty of European experience from his time as a player at Bolton, West Ham, and Shamrock Rovers. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Joey O’Brien insists his Shelbourne side won’t be sitting back to protect their 2-1 first leg lead over Croatian champions Rijeka when the teams meet in Tuesday’s second leg.

A Europa League playoff place is on the line at sold-out Tolka Park but also the guarantee of group stage participation in the Conference League regardless of how they fare against either Greek side PAOK or Austrian outfit Wolfsberger.

Avoiding defeat at home would not only ensure Shels have six league phase games between October and December but also rocket their prize-pot to around the €4m mark, a welcome return for their well-heeled band of investors.

Goals by Sam Bone and John Martin last Wednesday completed a memorable comeback victory in Croatia but the wounded visitors will have former Fiorentina attacker Toni Fruk back from suspension.

O’Brien, with experience of European nights from his playing days at Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and Shamrock Rovers, is adamant defensive tactics won’t enter their gameplan.

"We're coming in with a small advantage but we're here to attack the game,” said the man who filled the vacancy after his boss Damien Duff sensationally quit the league champions in June.

“We don't see football as sitting in and hoping for the best. It's about attacking the game in front of you.

"I think the players we have want to do that. So for me to have a gameplan as just sitting in and hoping for the best – that wasn't like that as a player and it's not going to be like that now as a coach."

Historical crowd issues mean Rijeka won’t have any travelling support at Tolka.

“I think it is an advantage,” noted the Reds gaffer.

“Rijeka had a great atmosphere over there last week but at home, the whole place will be rocking.

“That buzz, that little bit more energy sometimes does help.

“Sometimes we might have to suffer out of possession, needing to suck it up but hopefully the fanbase will be really loud.

“We must make the most of that by giving them something to cheer about. I'm sure at the start there's going to be a real excitement at the game because of what's at stake, but it's about the boys going out and putting their best foot forward and putting on a show, making sure the crowd's engaged in the game.” 

Should Shels lose out over the tie – which will include extra-time and penalties if needed – they’ll still have a shot at reaching the Conference League in a playoff decider against Linfield or Vikingur Gøta. The Faroese side lead 2-1 heading into Thursday’s second leg in Belfast.