Joey O'Brien: 'This is an opportunity for us to go out and get a win here in Ireland with our own fans'

HOME ADVANTAGE: Joey O’Brien will seek a defensive display of the ilk they delivered against Swedish Cup holders BK Hacken to earn a draw on opening night. Picture: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Spanish warmth awaits Shelbourne before Christmas but sending a shiver through Kosovans FC Drita is the immediate priority for Joey O’Brien.

Their league phase debut has entailed two tight contests containing just one goal. That concession, an own-goal deep into stoppage time against Shkëndija in North Macedonia, has proven a blemish to atone for.

Former Ireland defender O’Brien will seek a defensive display of the ilk they delivered against Swedish Cup holders BK Hacken to earn a draw on opening night.

They’re back at their temporary residence of Tallaght for Drita, determined to add firepower that hurtles them into the second half of the campaign – including the visit of Crystal Palace – on four points.

“We felt we left three points behind in Macedonia,” said O’Brien, whose team’s third place finish in the league guarantees European qualification for next term.

“This is an opportunity for us to go out and get a win here in Ireland with our own fans.

“As I said to the boys, it's about using that bit of hurt that we had in the dressing room the last day against Shkendija.

“Ensure we don’t have that again. Also, understanding that just because we left it behind over there, doesn’t give you any right at all to think you’re going to have a handy night. It won’t be that for sure.” 

Drita, unbeaten after 1-1 draws against KuPS and Omonia Nicosia, will deploy Arb Manaj at the tip of their armoury.

The 27-year-old Kosovan international has featured in all eight of their European matches since starting their campaign in the Champions League, scoring four times.

“They probably should have more than two points,” surmised O’Brien after scouting their opponents.

“They’ve some really good, highly-technical players, with pace in transition. I’m sure they’re going to cause us problems.” 

Rather than head for the Mediterranean once the season ended last weekend like most of their rivals, Shels will do so shortly for work reasons.

They have Troy Parrott’s AZ Alkmaar game away on November 27, followed by FA Cup holders Palace and Slovenians NK Celje in December.

“Once this game finishes, our players will have a bit of downtime because they've been on the go a really long time,” outlined the former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United man..

“They'll have a few days off, settle back down before we go away for a bit of a training camp.”

Uefa Conference League phase: Shelbourne v FC Drita, Tallaght Stadium (Thursday, 8pm).