Shels boss Russell cites United's '99 heroics as Ajax roll into town

Head coach John Russell during a Shelbourne training session. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Shelbourne will be partying like Manchester United in 1999 if they can somehow overturn a two-goal deficit against Ajax to dump the Dutch giants out of the Conference League (7.45pm).

A mere eight percent of the 51,871 that packed into the Johan Cruyff Arena for last week’s first leg will be permitted into the cavernous surrounds of Tolka Park as Shels seek an upset.

Mika Godts, subject of a rejected €45m bid from European champions PSG, was a central character in Ajax’s 3-1 win seven days ago and is set to feature again while the clubs hatch a compromise on a fee.

“I was hoping he'd be gone to PSG at this stage but he’s on the flight to Dublin,” admitted Shels boss John Russell.

“He was amazing to see in action, winning a penalty early on that he scored from. The danger is when they isolate in one-v-one situations against our defenders but I thought Milan Mbeng did well up against him.” 

The failure of Godts to convert a second penalty to put four goals between the sides proved pivotal.

Ed Beach’s superb save from the spot was soon followed by a 22-passing movement, culminating in Dan Kelly drilling his low shot into the bottom corner.

That sent the boisterous travelling support into delirium and for the return they’ll vastly outnumber the Dutch with just 302 tickets allocated for the Drumcondra venue.

“We're going to attack the game,” declared Russell, into his seventh game in 26 days since succeeding the sacked Joey O’Brien.

“That's always my mindset and it’s the same for the players.

"It's brilliant that one of the biggest clubs in Europe is coming to Tolka. It was important for the club to be able to host it there because that's what the fans and us want. The pitch will be tighter than the Amsterdam Arena and the fans are on top of you.

“The key thing for us is getting the aggregate score to 3-2. Whether that’s early or it’s late isn’t important because there’s always time.

“Teams can score two goals in the last three minutes of a game through panic. Look back to 1999 and the Champions League final in Barcelona.

“After Manchester United being on the ropes for most of the final against Bayern, from two corners all of a sudden they win the Cup.” 

Ali Coote and Jack Henry-Francis both sustained injuries in Sunday’s 2-1 league defeat at home to St Patrick’s Athletic which rule them out.

Meanwhile, Bohemians are in Denmark, also hunting down a two-goal disadvantage (6pm).

Missed chances against Midtjylland in last week’s first leg at Tallaght ultimately cost them with a late concession, deepening the task for navigating a route into the playoff round.

“The aim will be not to concede early and take our chances when they come," emphasized Gypsies boss Alan Reynolds, who has captain Dawson Devoy returning from suspension.

“We went toe-to-toe with them last week for large spells and this is something of a free shot. Everybody knows how good a side Midtjylland are but we'll see what they are like at home if they concede one."