Tolka tie the pick of bunch

Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers should ensure a spectacular start to this season's Harp FAI Cup after coming out of the drum together in last evening's first round draw in Dublin.

It represents a huge test for Shelbourne in their attempt to embellish their reputation as the Cup specialists of recent times by reaching the final for the sixth time in seven years.

"I'm sure every club representative attending the draw wanted to avoid Rovers in the first round and to that extent you could say that we've drawn the short straw," said manager Dermot Keely. "But going on Shelbourne's record in recent years, we don't have to fear anybody and Rovers are probably more apprehensive than we are."

History favours Rovers, who twice beat their arch Dublin rivals in FAI Cup finals in 1943 and '62, but manager Mick Byrne sees little relevance in that statistic. "It's all about form this season and I'm reasonably happy that if we can build on the promise of our last couple of games we'll be involved in the second round draw."

Cork City will start their defence of the title with a visit to Monaghan, an assignment which their captain Declan Daly describes as "tricky".

"The fact that Monaghan are a First Division club doesn't necessarily make it any easier for us," he said. "It's a long trip for a Cork team and with home advantage they are going to be difficult to crack."

Apart from the Shelbourne-Shamrock Rovers game, the only all Premier Division tie is that which brings Waterford United and Bohemians together at the Regional Sports Centre.

If there is no great tradition between the clubs in the FAI Cup, their current problems invest the tie with unusual urgency. The point was not lost on Bohemians's new manager Roddy Collins.

"At this stage of the season I think we will both be motivated by the chance of a good Cup run," he said. "Waterford, like ourselves, have a lot to play for and that's going to make it a real pressure match.".

Given the alternatives, Derry City will not be unduly perturbed by the prospect of travelling to Longford. Sligo Rovers, too, will relish a relatively short journey to oppose Athlone Town at St Mel's Park.

The pairing of Bray Wanderers and St Francis will evoke memories of the 1990 competition when St Francis became the first non-league team in more than 60 years to reach the final. The fairytale ending was denied them, however, when John Ryan's hat-trick took the trophy to Bray. They may again have to legislate for Ryan's predatory talents at the Carlisle Grounds next month.

For the first time, 10 intermediate clubs were included in the draw, among them Ashtown Villa who seven years ago provided some memorable moments when beating Dundalk and Derry City.

To that extent, they may well have been hoping for Premier Division opposition last evening. Instead, they emerged with a home tie against Cherry Orchard in what is certain to be one of the most tensely fought games of the round.

Eoin Hand, a former national team manager, is to be the first holder of the newly-created post of FAI Career Guidance Officer.

His brief will be to advise schoolboy clubs, parents and players of career opportunities in Ireland and abroad. This will include advice on scholarships, contract possibilities and the responsibility of clubs for the general welfare, health schemes and accommodation of young players.

The post fills a long felt need in an area which has become contentious because of the growing number of Irish boys going on trial with clubs in England.

Hand, who will also be responsible for compiling files on players leaving the FAI's jurisdiction and those eligible for international recognition, managed the national senior team on 40 occasions between 1980 and '85. At club level, he managed Limerick United, St Patrick's Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Shelbourne.