The Daily Star Ireland
Linfield manager David Healy remains optimistic ahead of his side’s second-leg clash with Shelbourne in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Despite falling 1-0 in the opening leg in Dublin, Healy believes his team is capable of delivering a stronger performance in front of a home crowd on Wednesday night.
Narrow First-Leg Defeat Keeps Tie Wide Open
The first leg at Tolka Park saw Shelbourne edge ahead thanks to a 58th-minute strike from Mipo Odubeko. While Shels enjoyed the bulk of possession and looked sharper overall — understandable given their mid-season rhythm in the League of Ireland Premier Division — they failed to put the game out of reach. Linfield, still in preseason ahead of the NIFL Premiership’s August start, struggled to match Shelbourne’s tempo but did enough defensively to keep the tie alive.
Speaking ahead of the return leg, Healy acknowledged the tactical compromises his team had to make. “With the way the draw landed and where Shels are in their season, we had to give something up last week,” he said. “We conceded space in wide areas, and while we worked hard off the ball, we were too careless when we had it.”
Healy admitted his side lacked sharpness in possession and failed to create meaningful opportunities, but he’s confident that the players have learned from those shortcomings. “You can improve in a week,” he added, hinting at tactical adjustments and lineup changes. “I think we’ll look a lot better with the ball this time around.”
Windsor Park Advantage and a Key Return
Linfield will be bolstered by their strong record at Windsor Park, where home support has often spurred the team to big European performances. That, combined with another week of training under their belts, could provide the lift they need to turn the tie around.
A key boost comes in the form of Chris Shields, the experienced midfielder and former Dundalk stalwart, who is eligible to return after serving a suspension in the first leg. While Healy stopped short of confirming whether Shields would start, he hinted at the influential role he could play. “Chris brings quality and experience, particularly in European games,” said Healy. “His presence gives us another option in the middle of the park.”
Healy was measured but confident when discussing the team’s outlook. “We underperformed with the ball last week, but if we clean that up — and with the players we have — we can cause problems. I’ve no doubt we’ll be better.”
Keeping Calm, Playing Smart
Healy stressed the importance of composure, noting that a fast start would be welcome but not essential. “It would be great to level the tie early, but we don’t have to rush,” he said. “The key is to build into the game and stay focused.”
The Linfield boss believes that should his side take the lead, the momentum could swing dramatically. “Once we go in front, the energy in this place becomes electric,” he said. “That belief, that buzz from the fans — it can really drive the players.”
With a narrow deficit and plenty still to play for, Linfield head into Wednesday’s match with quiet confidence. A strong performance at Windsor Park could be enough to book their place in the next round — and remind their opponents that European nights in Belfast are never easy.
