Shelbourne captain Pat Scully has lost his fitness battle ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League qualifier with Sloga Jugomagnat in Skopje's national stadium.

The experienced central defender has failed to shake off a niggling strain of his left hamstring and manager Dermot Keely yesterday reluctantly ruled the big Dubliner out of his plans.

"He's my top man and will be a big loss to us," said Keely after a training session at the Sloga ground. "But I'm not prepared to even have him on the bench. If he pulls the hamstring completely I'll be without my main central defender for three months. I'm not prepared to even risk it."

Scully's loss will be Robert Raeside's opportunity as he's set for an earlier than expected debut in partnering Tony McCarthy in the heart of the Shelbourne defence.

The South African-born 28-year-old has played his entire career in Scotland with Raith Rovers, Dundee and latterly Arbroath and only signed for Shelbourne ahead of last Wednesday's UEFA transfer deadline.

While his new partnership in defence may give rise to some apprehension, Keely can have no worries concerning the anchor of his midfield, Paul Doolin, who chases a record number of appearances for a domestic player in European club games.

Having made his European debut in the tempestuous 3-2 UEFA Cup win over Rangers while a Bohemians player 16 years ago, the 37-year-old eagerly awaits his 26th match in Europe.

"That was some night and memorable for so many reason, not just for the fact it was my debut in Europe," said Doolin, who is only three games behind Johnny Fullam's record for a League of Ireland player in European competitions.

Doolin has played against many other big names, including Celtic, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Red Star Belgrade during spells with five clubs north and south.

Fittingly, his most treasured memory is of the last time Shelbourne progressed beyond a first-round tie when they beat Karpaty Lvov 3-1 on aggregate in the Cup Winners Cup in 1993.