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Shels boss Joey O'Brien reacts to European draw and issues important warning

By Paul O'Hehir

Shels boss Joey O'Brien reacts to European draw and issues important warning

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Joey O'Brien believes Shelbourne have a European draw to relish - but he warned his players not to lose sight of the league.

The reigning champions climbed up to fourth after Sunday's 1-0 win over Galway United, with Harry Wood settling a tight game from the penalty spot in the 78th minute.

It was Shels' first game in over a week, following a hectic period of juggling domestic games with Europe and nailing down a place in the Conference League league phase.

That extended European campaign begins at home to Swedish side Hacken at Tallaght Stadium on October 2. O'Brien's Reds are then in North Macedonia on October 23 to play Shkendija before hosting Drita of Kosovo on November 6.

A trip to Holland to face Troy Parrott's AZ Alkmaar awaits on November 27 before the glamour clash at home to Crystal Palace in Tallaght on December 11. And Shelbourne close out their European league phase with a trip to Celje of Slovenia on December 18.

But before that opening game against Hacken, the Reds have three vital league games away to Derry City and Drogheda United, before hosting Waterford.

Speaking about the European draw for the first time since it was made last week, O'Brien said: "It's brilliant and a great achievement, great for everyone in the club, fans.

"But now it's down to business. You're looking at teams, how you're going to play them, how you're going to attack them and how you're going to beat them.

"That's the name of the game. But as I said to the lads previously, you only get there by taking care of business in the league and this win over Galway was the start of that."

But in Europe, O'Brien feels Shelbourne will have a nice mix of winnable games and a glamour tie against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

"That's what it's going to be but we have to take care of business. It's a great game to be involved in but it won't be great if you get hit for six," he said. "Hopefully we go out and put our best foot forward and have a game plan and try attack the game.

"But listen, that whole talk of the European games, that's done really. It's that excitement at the start and that's grand, but the league is what it's all about."

And O'Brien added: "The European run was possible because we won the league. To play in Europe and get these games, it's about the league.

"We're a good bit off it at the minute and we have our work to do. This was the focus, to win here against Galway and then the next three games in the league in massive."

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