David Healy backs Linfield to turn tie around against Shelbourne

RTÉ News​

2 days ago

Linfield manager David Healy believes that his side can find an extra gear to turn the tie around when they take on Shelbourne in Wednesday's second-leg of their Champions League first-round qualifier.
Shelbourne take a narrow 1-0 lead going into the game at Windsor Park, thanks to Mipo Odubeko's 58th-minute goal at Tolka Park a week ago.
Shels dominated possession in Dublin but were unable to put the tie beyond Linfield and the tie remains very much in the balance.
With Shelbourne already midway through the League of Ireland Premier Division campaign and the NIFL Premiership not getting underway until August, Shels looked the sharper of the two side but Healy is hoping that home advantage can be a leveller this time around.
"With the way the draw worked out, and the fitness levels Shels had, we had to give up something last week," Healy said.
"We worked on that. We had to give up a little on the wide areas. There are things we can improve on, certainly in possession. We can't be sloppy in possession when we do have the ball. At times last week we did all the hard work off the ball, and when we got it, we gave it away cheapy and didn't create opportunities.
"You can improve in a week. We'll probably change one or two things, the players will be aware of that.
"All teams have strengths. Shels have good players and are neat and tidy on the ball. I don't think our strengths were shown last week on the ball.
"Shelbourne will be excited by the playing surface. We didn't have enough possession last week to go and hurt Shels. Hopefully tomorrow, with the energy, another week's training, and strong support behind us, I can see a much-improved performance in us.
"We have a strong record at Windsor Park and the players believe there is an opportunity."
Healy can welcome back former Dundalk midfielder Chris Shields who missed the first game through suspension.
Shields has a wealth of experience when it comes to European ties and he could offer Linfield an extra dimension in midfield, but Healy is being coy as to whether or not he will start.
"We underperformed with the ball last week," the Linfield boss said. "Our work ethic and organisation was there, but if we are better on the ball tomorrow night with the players that we have, Chris being back and involved – I've not decided if he is starting or not – we will be better.
"I have no doubt we will be better in possession.
"A second goal for Shels would have made it really difficult, but with the performance levels, the attitude, and most importantly speaking to the players after the game, and over the last few days, there is huge belief that we can build on that performance.
"It would be brilliant if we did score in the first 10, 15 minutes and the tie is level, but we don't need to. The most important thing is we build into the game.
"I have no doubt, if and when we do take the lead tomorrow night, the electricity and energy around this place becomes important as the players will be fuelled by the belief they can win the tie."