Shelbourne ready for UEFA Women's Champions League
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Shelbourne ready for UEFA Women's Champions League

Shelbourne are in Lithuania this week to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League where they face Glasgow City with the winner playing either Gintra or Cardiff City.The Round One ties kick off on Wednesday, September 6 with the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division champions kicking off at 10am. The game will be played at the Siauliai central stadium - Šiauliai.There is no doubt that Shels won’t be up for this one, with confidence and belief all necessary to come away with the win. Currently second in the League Table this year just behind Peamount United, Noel King's side have no shortage in experience and talent. They like to keep possession and play out from the back, so it will be interesting to see how they’ll set up for this encounter.ONES TO WATCHAlex Kavanagh - The star midfielder has made herself a name that King just can’t leave out of the starting eleven. With precise passing and an eye for goal from long distance, Kavanagh could be the difference maker.Jemma Quinn - The Reds’ main striker has no shortage in confidence which is exactly what you want in a forward. She has experience, a level head, and can pop up just when you need her. Katie McCarn - The young attacker has been called up from the Under-19’s side to travel with the team. She has that no fear attitude and is capped at underage level. The young Meath woman is the perfect person to come off of the bench and make a difference when it is needed.

 

SQUADGoalkeepers: Courtney Maguire, Amanda McQuillanDefenders: Keeva Keenan, Maggie Pierce, Pearl Slattery, Leah Riley, Lucy O'Rourke, Catherine Graversen, Taylor White, Leah DoyleMidfielders: Alex Kavanagh, Rachel Graham, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Kerri Letmon, Sophie Watters, Nadine Clare, Hannah Healy, Elizabeth Moore, Kate O'DowdForwards: Noelle Murray, Jemma Quinn, Christie Gray, Rebecca Devereux, Morgan Rees, Natasha Shirazi, Katie McCarnOPPONENTSGlasgow City are a well-known team in Scottish women’s football and in this competition. Former Reds players have featured for them in the past - Noelle Murray is one example.Emily Whelan, a former Shels academy graduate, is a name that will be well-known around Shels’ camp too, as well as ex-Peamount United defender Claire Walsh. They are defensively hard to break down, having only conceded two goals in their first five games of the new season, where they currently sit top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League. They are current Champions as well, meaning they know how to win a game.HOW TO WATCHThere is a live stream available for the cost of €5. Click here to access the streamFIXTURESUEFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers – Round 1Group 8Wednesday, September 6Glasgow City v Shelbourne (KO 10:00)Gintra v Cardiff City (KO 16:00)Saturday, September 9Third-place match (KO 10:00)Final (KO 16:00)