A dispute at Shelbourne in relation to the non-payment of players wages won't affect their Uefa Intertoto Cup second round, second leg tie at Tolka Park tomorrow.
The club called off a scheduled press conference at lunchtime yesterday at very short notice after the players were believed to have refused to train in protest at, apparently, not have been paid for two weeks.
Meanwhile, Fenlon surmised that it would rank as perhaps "the win of the century" if his side overturns a 3-0 deficit against their Danish opponents Odense BK tomorrow afternoon. "I don't think football is ever a lost cause," said Fenlon. "But it's going to require a huge effort."
Shelbourne's prayers would be answered by scoring an early goal, though Fenlon stressed that a certain amount of caution must accompany adventure in their approach to trying to retrieve the tie.
"The view of the game is that we will approach it in the correct manner," added Fenlon. "We'll be looking to get an early goal and see how they react. That will give the players the confidence, knowing that if they get one more bit of luck they are back in the tie.
"Games change; things can happen in matches; decisions can go for you. In the last game (Vetra) had three players sent off, so you just don't know what's going to happen in football.
"It's a hard one to judge. We can't be mad gung-ho, but we've got to be adventurous to try to get an early goal. It will be very difficult for us. We'll have to have a go at them. But we have to get the balance right. If we concede an early goal then it's all over.
"We'll try to win the match and then if we get anything out of it after that then it would be a big plus."
Colin Hawkins and Alan Moore, who've both been suffering with tendonitis in their ankles, should be fit to play, leaving Gary O'Neill (knee) Shelbourne's only absentee.
Cork City have agreed to give their influential midfielder George O'Callaghan a few days off ahead of their Uefa Champions League qualifier with Cypriot side Apollon Limassol on Wednesday and he won't feature in their league game at Longford Town tonight.
O'Callaghan was upset at being fined two weeks wages following his recent sending off against Bohemians.
"We've given George a few days rest to clear his head," said Richardson. "I'm very hopeful that he will be back again soon."
Leading scorer John O'Flynn is also out of tonight's game, and the European match, with an abdominal muscle injury. New signings Brian O'Callaghan and Cathal Lordan both come into the squad. Michael Dempsey continues in goal for Longford as Shay Kelly is sidelined with a back strain.
Striker David Mooney could be out for the rest of the season following a hamstring tear in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at UCD. Robbie Martin starts up front with Dessie Baker.
Bray Wanderers are without suspended defender Wes Charles following his sending off against Drogheda last Sunday for the visit of UCD to the Carlisle Grounds.
College captain Tony McDonnell is again absent with a hamstring strain while Brian Shortall (head injury) and Stephen Hurley (heel) are doubtful starters. Paul Byrne and Conan Byrne remain out with ankle injuries.
Tonight (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division Longford Town v Cork City (7.30) First Division Cobh Ramblers v Finn Harps Kilkenny City v Athlone Town (7.30) Sunday: UEFA Intertoto Cup (second round, second leg) Shelbourne (0) v Odense BK (3) (3.0) Premier Division Bray Wanderers v UCD (3.0).
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)