Ajax's new goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to face Shelbourne

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will make his Ajax debut when they host Shelbourne in Thursday’s Conference League tie. Pic: Alex Caparros/Getty Images.

German international goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will make his Ajax debut when they host Shelbourne in Thursday’s Conference League tie (7pm, Irish time).

The 34-year-old goalkeeper had fallen out of favour at Barcelona, where he’d clocked up the second most appearances for a foreign player behind Lionel Messi.

After last season’s loam spell at Girona, he clinched another temporary move away from the Nou Camp in pursuit of gametime.

He, along with recent recruits including his compatriot Julian Brandt and Tolu Arokodare, are in the squad for the visit of Shels to the Johan Cruyff Arena.

"Marc has an outstanding track record, and his qualities are widely recognised,” said Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff, who returned to the club last season with a view to arrest their declining fortunes.

"He is an immediate addition to our squad.

“Marc and I know each other well, and I'm looking forward to working with him again.

"We have been working on bringing him here for quite some time, so we’re very pleased that he has signed his contract and can now get started."

The stopper believes he can help the Dutch giants reclaim their former glories as kingpins of the Netherlands.

“When I first spoke with Jordi Cruyff, I immediately felt it was the ideal choice," he explained.

"I also know the coach and Daley Blind. I had the chance to talk to them about the project, and they were very convincing.

"We want to bring Ajax back to the top. It is a prestigious club with a glorious history and a distinguished international standing. I am confident it will be a successful season."

Thursday week’s second leg will be held at Shelbourne’s 4,000-capacity Tolka Park home.