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topicnews · July 16, 2025

Clock: Champions League Qualifying – As a Linfield competes against Shelbourne

Clock: Champions League Qualifying – As a Linfield competes against Shelbourne


On the side of South Belfast, Chris Shields will return from the suspension for the second encounter with Shels.

“Shelbourne will enjoy the large open playing field, they are a very good football side with brilliant players who can master the ball in close situations. They are very neat and neatly on the ball,” continued Healy, who takes over the 500th time.

“We didn't have enough property last week to hurt Shelbourne. Hopefully this time, with further training a week and a look at her, a better fitness among the players and with strong support.

“I just ask the players to go out and appear, as I know that they can do it, more on the front foot. Swing is important.”

The manager of Shelbourne, Joey O'Brien, welcomes the fact that his team and their opponents enter into the second meeting with a one-goal advantage, but is expecting a completely different game.

“A away games in European competition are so different and the boys know that. Wednesday evening is a completely different game.

“We have a small advantage. The boys saw them on the pitch – their speed, their movement, how good they are, so they feel that they are present now.

“These are the kind of games in which you want to be involved, but in the end it is about who will go into the next round.”

The winners of the tie will compete in the second qualification round with Qarabag from Azerbaijan, with the losers falling into the second round of the League conference, where they will play the defeated page between FK Zalgiris of Lithuania and Hamrun Spartan's from Malta.