Drogheda United's Paul Doolin will call on his vast experience as a player when he makes his debut as a manager in Europe against HJK Helsinki in the Finnish capital tomorrow evening.
Doolin played in 35 European games over 16 seasons for six clubs, beginning with Bohemians' famous 3-2 win over Rangers in 1984 and culminating with Shelbourne's rousing 1-1 draw in Rosenborg six years ago.
Red Star Belgrade, then the champions of Europe, and fellow European Cup winners Benfica and FC Porto, were some of the big sides Doolin faced in his playing days. With that in mind, and having done his homework, Doolin doesn't see much to fear from HJK, though he fully respects the Finns.
"I wouldn't say HJK are the best side I've ever seen," said Doolin. "I've been very, very fortunate in my time to have played against some of the very best sides in Europe, and you know in those games that you are going to be up against it.
"But in this tie, I think if we play to our maximum, we have a 50-50 chance - and that's being honest with you. HJK are decent enough, but we're playing well at the moment and not conceding goals. They have a fair pedigree in Europe - but I don't think the Finnish league has come on as much as the Norwegian or Danish leagues.
"Nobody is probably going to give us a chance - at home or away. HJK have got good players, but they are a young side and it's not as if we'll be going out saying, 'How do we cope with him, him and him?'"
Unlike Shelbourne, who tailor their tactics to the more cerebral European game, Doolin says he won't tinker too much with Drogheda's normal game.
"I believe that the way we play will suit us in Europe because we pass the ball," said Doolin.
"HJK are not a big side so I can't see us struggling physically.
"I've been reading that England never played in the World Cup the way they do in the Premiership, with that type of tempo. I think the pace of our game could be of benefit to us, though having said that it's likely to be very warm.
Though the injured Declan O'Brien, Steven Gray and James Keddy haven't travelled, Drogheda's new signing Tony Grant is eligible and was in the squad that flew out of Dublin yesterday.
