Dynamo Kiev (2) v Drogheda Utd (1): WHEN ASKED by a Ukrainian journalist what were the percentages his Drogheda United side would cause an upset here in Kiev tonight, manager Paul Doolin refused to be drawn.

But defender Brian Shelley was certain of one thing: if the League of Ireland champions are to harbour any hope of depriving Dynamo of their much-anticipated Uefa Champions League third qualifying round clash with former Soviet rivals Spartak Moscow next week, they will have to score first.

"Realistically, the small chance we have of progressing means we must score first," said the 26-year-old Dubliner, back in the starting 11 after a month-long injury lay-off and a 20-minute substitute appearance in the first leg.

"At the same time, we've got to make sure we put in a disciplined performance because they are a top European side," added Shelley. "If we go out there charging around and rushing for goals we could be punished. We need to make sure it's a controlled performance. But we know that if we are to progress we have to score first."

Shelley is relishing the opportunity of playing 90 minutes against the best side he's ever faced.

"These are games you dream of when you play football," he said. "It's a big chance for us. It's a tall order, we know that. But we are all looking forward to the game and hopefully we'll give a good account of ourselves and the League of Ireland."

Shelley said the 20 minutes he got in the first leg was exhilarating: "It's a different level - the movement, the space they create for themselves is hard to deal with. They keep the ball on the deck and you learn a lot from the game. They are a top side. I'd say they would be the best side I've come up against in my career."

Doolin was circumspect about his side's chances in the muggy, 25-degree heat.

"I think it's going to be difficult, but percentage-wise it's hard to judge," he said. "We all know it's going to be tough and the conditions will be completely different from Dublin as it will be very, very warm. What we hope to do is to keep the game as tight as we can and you will always get chances in football."

Premature talk by Kiev of the next round has irritated Doolin.

"I don't really worry about what other people say, but I do think it is a little bit disrespectful for Dynamo to think that they are already in the third round," he said. "Anything can happen in football as the past has shown."

Doolin has midfielder Shane Robinson fully fit meaning there should be at least two changes from the first game.

DROGHEDA UNITED (probable): Ewings; Shelley, Maher, Gartland, Kendrick; Baker, Robinson, Hughes, Byrne, Cahill; Zayed.