European tie opens door for Raeside

Robert Raeside will add some impetus to an uncertain career when he lines out for Shelbourne in their Champions League preliminary round first leg match against Macedonians Sloga Jugomagnat in Skopje tonight (7 pm).

The considerable leap from being out of contract at Scottish second division side Arbroath to playing in Europe's premier competition is not lost on the six-feet, two-inch central defender, who is nonetheless confident he can do himself and the team justice when he stands in for injured captain Pat Scully.

"I have no problem coming straight in to play in such an important game," said Raeside (28), who played just one game in Europe during a seven-year spell at Raith Rovers. He went on to play for Dundee and Arbroath before signing for Shelbourne last week.

"I may have been a little concerned when I first signed, but having settled in so well with the other players in the week I've been with them, I'm quite happy. I'm astute enough to know what is required of me."

Though Raeside has signed initially for just a month, he has been suitably impressed with what he has seen so far. "The set-up at Shelbourne compares very favourably with most clubs in the Scottish Premier. Signing for a month suited both parties . . . if it doesn't work out we can simply go our separate ways."

Apart from watching videos of their recent games, Shelbourne have little information on Sloga, though Raeside is sure they won't have a typical Irish or Scottish style of play.

"Because we don't know much about them, the early stage of the match will be cautious," said Raeside. "Dermot (Keely) has told the more experienced players that thereafter, it is up to them to realise how it's going and adapt accordingly."

Aside from Raeside coming in for Scully and Mark Hutchison starting at left back for the injured Declan Geoghegan, the Shelbourne team, which manager Keely named yesterday morning, contains few surprises.

Having initially intimated he may play with five in midfield, Keely has stayed with his familiar 4-4-2 line-up, with Dessie Baker fit to partner Stephen Geoghegan, who captains the side, in attack.

"We must be positive," said Keely. "They play with a sweeper, who looks their best player, while their main striker will be a threat. But they are not Manchester United, and if we keep the tie alive for the second leg I'm confident we can beat them at Tolka Park.

"It goes without saying that we must keep possession in the heat. If we give the ball away cheaply they have the technique and pace to punish us."

Shelbourne: Williams; Heary, Raeside, McCarthy, Hutchison; R Baker, Doolin, Fenlon, Keddy; D Baker, S Geoghegan.