Damien Duff ready to roll as opener finally comes around

Damien Duff admits he was not prepared for the "ridiculous" demands of League of Ireland management as he prepares for his first Premier Division game as Shelbourne boss on Friday night.

Duff took the reins last November after the surprise departure of Ian Morris, who had led the Reds to the First Division title.

It's been an off-season of considerable change at the Dublin club, with a very high turnover of players, and though the former Republic of Ireland international remains bullishly ambitious, he has been open about the challenges he's faced thus far.

"The 24/7 focus of it... it's just ridiculous," he told RTÉ Sport.

"I'm not going home now for a glass of wine, dinner and to read stories for the kids. It's back to work, hitting midnight then getting up early for a meeting to make sure I'm happy for tomorrow. It's absolutely non-stop.

"Do I enjoy it? Maybe in a strange way, if that makes sense.

"Why take it on? I didn't know it was going to be this mental. You can do all the coaching licenses you want... nothing can teach you [this]. A lot of people rely on you, everyone's problem is your problem. But since I was a kid I've always liked helping people. That's who I am. I just like the responsibility.

"It's been good. There's been quite a bit of pressure already, but listen, it ramps up ten-fold on Friday."

"At the end of the day it's about staying in the league this year."

Shels kick off the campaign with a mouthwatering derby against St Pat's at Tolka Park.

The Saints arrive with a new manager of their own - Tim Clancy - and one high-profile signing over the winter: experienced striker Eoin Doyle.

Many are backing Clancy's men to run Shamrock Rovers close in the title race but they'll be greeted with a red-hot atmosphere at