Shelbourne kick off their Champions League adventure in Iceland tomorrow against KR Reykjavik hoping this is the year they end their European hoodoo.
Never out of the top two in the last five seasons, Shels have disappointed in Europe during that period with only one victory - against Sloga Jugomagnat of Macedonia in 2000.
Since then, they have lost to Rosenborg of Norway, Brondby of Denmark, Hibernians of Malta and Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia last year, although manager Pat Fenlon believes that his side have the talent and belief to change their fortunes this season.
"We're not going there hung up on previous results," he said. "A lot of the players around for the match against Hibernians aren't here any more and we played a very good side in Ljubljana last season.
"But we are confident of getting a result. We've had them watched and they're a good side, but we're the best side in Ireland at the moment and we want to improve on our European record."
Fenlon believes playing away in the first leg will be a huge advantage for his side. It is 12 matches since Shelbourne last won a home game in Europe when they beat Karpaty Lvov of Ukraine in 1993 and recent years have seen good away results ruined by disappointing performances at home.
Two seasons ago, Shelbourne were favourites to qualify for the second round having drawn with Hibernians 2-2 in Malta only to lose 1-0 at home while it was the same story last season against Ljubljana.
"I think we've always been better away than at home," Fenlon added. "We've got good results away from home because we're difficult to beat but when we're at home and have to open up the opposition, things become difficult. It's the nature of the league and something that we've got to learn from."
Fenlon refused to be drawn on whether he will opt to play Jason Byrne as a lone striker in front of a five-man midfield as Shelbourne look to keep it tight. However, with former Brighton defender Tony McCarthy the only doubt because of a hamstring injury, he has a luxury of a selection headache.
"We've got a good squad with lots of quality. We'll be playing our strongest side that's for sure and we'll hope to keep things tight and maybe nick an away goal to take them back to Tolka Park."
Filed by Aidan O'Doherty
