With the disappointment of missing both European legs against FK Vetra because of a suspension carried from last year now behind him, Shelbourne's Dave Rogers is determined to win back his place at left back in tonight's enticing league encounter with St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park.
The versatile defender was sent off in Bucharest during last season's Champions League qualifier and sat out the away leg win in Vilnius nine days ago. On Saturday last he was then part of the commentary team covering the facile but farcical win over a poor team that finished with eight-men.
Tonight, though, the Liverpudlian hopes to reclaim his position but acknowledges it is far from certain that manager Pat Fenlon will recall him in place of David Crawley who deputised during the two Intertoto Cup games.
"Being suspended for the European first round was a nightmare," Rogers concedes, "but I only have myself to blame for that. It was a bit of stupidity last season when I should have been using my head a little bit more.
"But I've kept my fitness up and I'm ready to go. Tonight is a massive game for us. I think to be honest the league is more important than the European competition we're in, although at the same time it's been a nice little sidetrack for us. But it' the league we want to win."
Unlike many of their league rivals, Shelbourne had little or no rest time during the two-week World Cup break. Preparation for their trip to Lithuania saw to that. But Rogers feels the squad have benefited from the additional training and match time and is keen to re-ignite a league push.
"There's a lot of shout that a break does you good, and don't get me wrong it does recharge the batteries," he says. "But also, if you lose that little bit of sharpness in between you're playing catch up trying to get it back.
"We know from two seasons ago, when we had a great run in Europe, that it's not nice having to play catch up in the league when you get back. You want to try and get the points in the bag whenever you can, that's why we're delighted we've this game tonight."
Shelbourne can go top if results go their way tonight but Rogers is not underestimating the challenge facing his club against former coach John McDonnell and the rejuvenated St Patrick's side he has transformed.
"Johnny Mac has good links with Shelbourne and will have his team fired up. They're in a good position in the league and playing very well so we'll have to be in top form.
"He has a bunch of players that are playing for the team now. Johnny is a great manager and was a super coach when he was here with us. He's ambitious and, like Pat, is the type of manager if you're working hard for him you'll get your rewards."
A starting role tonight ahead of the weekend trip to Danish side Odense will be reward enough for Rogers who believes his form this season should stand him in good stead as Fenlon weighs up his team for tonight's clash.
"I don't want to miss these three game over something I did last year. I'm ready for it, raring to go and it's Pat's choice whether to play me or not but I'm definitely looking to be back in the starting line-up."
