SHELBOURNE kicked-off their season with a stunning 4-2 victory over Aberdeen at Tolka Park last night. The Scottish Premier Division side, without Scott Booth, were subjected to an electrifying seven minute spell in which the FAI Cup holders hit the net three times without reply.

Mark Rutherford, having missed most of last season following a horrific leg injury, was the first to strike after three minutes when he converted Tony Sheridan's cross from the right.

An alert piece of play from Stephen Geoghegan then set up Rutherford for his second five minutes later, with John O'Rourke pouncing for Shelbourne's third.

Aberdeen were offered some brief hope seven minutes before the break when Greg Costello up-ended Joe Millar, but the Don's player found his effort from the spot well saved by Alan Gough.

The visitors fortunes improved after the break with second half goals from substitute Hugh Robertson and Billy Dodds, before Stephen Geoghegan finally made the game safe five minutes before the end.

Aberdeen's second game is tonight against Dundalk whose manager John Hewitt, a Scot, was watching from the stand.

Arsenal last night denied a report suggesting they are about to pounce for Portugal's Euro '96 star Rui Costa.

He is the latest international to be linked with Highbury where there has been no major summer transfer activity.

Ken Friar, Arsenal's managing director, said: "There is no foundation in this report whatsoever."

Friar revealed that Rioch had been offered the same player by three different agents at fees ranging from £2 million to £5 million.