Linfield boss David Healy wary of threat posed by League of Ireland champions Shelbourne
David Healy has played down talk of a north-south battle as Linfield prepare to face off against Shelbourne in the champions League qualifiers tonight.
There’s a lot at stake for the champions from either side of the border as they look to progress in Europe.
Healy though poured cold water on talk of nationalistic pride insisting his focus is on Linfield and coming out on the right side of the result.
“We don’t see it as an all-Island game,” said the Blues boss. “We don’t want to get into that, it’s a European tie. We’ll gauge it on that.
“Other people will talk about it because, of course, it’s looking you straight in the face. It’s obvious that it’s north vs south, but it’s not something that we’ve talked about in the dressing room.
“It’s not something that I’ve talked about to the players to try and gee them up. They shouldn’t need geed up. It’s the first round of the Champions League.
“It’s an opportunity for us as a club to come down to the champions of Ireland, the deserved the champions, by the way.
“They got promoted in 2021, winning their first league in 18 years. It’s been a hell of a roller coaster for Shelbourne.
“They’re now in the same position as us, in the first round of the Champions League.
“It’s an opportunity for both clubs. We’re representing Linfield Football Club and there’s the potential to accumulate a few pounds and, most importantly, progress in the next round.”
A lot has changed for Shelbourne since the draw was made last month following Damien Duff’s departure as manager and Joey O’Brien taking over the reins.
Healy though is very wary of the threat the Reds pose having seen them up close and personal over the last few weeks.
“People talk about the Larne-Shamrock Rovers game last year, but I knew how good Rovers were, I saw them numerous times last year,” he said.
“So it shows you how good Shelbourne are, and certainly were last year and had to be last year.
“Everybody’s talking about Shamrock Rovers that this is one of the greatest sides, best teams they’ve ever seen in this country, down here.
“Shelbourne won the league last year. It shows you the level of talent, the quality, the success that the manager had and has left.
“With Joey’s appointment it looks as if it’s been a seamless transition. He’s been in the dressing room. He’s got the nod of approval from above. He’s got the nod of approval, it looks like, by the players who he’s worked with.
“He was second in command but now he’s stepped up and it looks like he’s enjoying the role.
“Joey’s got huge experience as a player in England. He’s worked with good managers in England. He’s represented Ireland at the international level.
“So it’s not as if they brought somebody in who doesn’t understand Shelbourne or understand the league.
“They brought somebody in with great experience and given the opportunity to go and manage.”
