O'BRIEN WANTS TO FINISH ON A POSITIVE NOTE

JOEY O'BRIEN has told his players to finish their European campaign on a high tonight in Slovenia - so that it doesn't ruin their Christmas dinners.

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

Shelbourne close out their historic first ever league phase campaign with a game away to Celje, who have already claimed a League of Ireland scalp this season with a win against Shamrock Rovers.

The Reds have picked up just one point so far, but have spurned plenty of opportunities in other games to add to their opening-night draw with Hacken.

Yet to get off the mark in the league phase of the Conference League, O'Brien (inset) would love to see his side break their goalscoring drought tonight.

“It's very rare for Irish teams (to win away in Europe), especially in the group stages,” said the former Bolton, West Ham and Ireland defender.