Shelbourne v Linfield: League of Ireland side in ‘new era’ as Champions League campaign begins weeks after Damien Duff departure says Mark Coyle

Former West Ham and Bolton Wanderers defender O’Brien said he has maintained his good relationship with Duff since the title-winning manager’s departure, while the 39-year-old does not feel his ascension into the top job has been a disruption.

“A lot has changed but a lot hasn’t changed really, it’s still the same sort of thing,” O’Brien said.

“I’m coaching every day, I’m out on the pitch every day. Obviously I had a great relationship with the man before us [so] I would have had a lot of say in a lot of meetings and taken a lot of meetings and stuff like that.”

Coyle believes O’Brien has “got all the attributes” to be a successful manager and added that the start of their Champions League campaign has helped maintain the “good buzz” around the club.

In the two decades since they last played in the competition, Shelbourne have endured multiple relegations, financial struggles and uncertainty over the future of their home ground.

After what he called “dark years”, the skipper said that the supporters deserve an occasion such as Wednesday night.

“The fans were here long before us, and will be here long after us, so for them it’s obviously a massive occasion as well and it’s what they deserve for what they’ve been through,” he said.

“We’re just glad we gave them the opportunity, but now it’s about going out there and putting on a performance and making sure that they can cheer again.”