Following Shelbourne's defeat to Rosenborg last week manager Dermot Keely is now looking to emulate the Norwegian team's tactics and ideas in Ireland.

Keely and Shelbourne chairman Gary Browne will meet with Rosenborg officials this morning to learn and eventually duplicate the methods that have turned the team into one of Europe's better sides over the past few years.

Just a few years ago, Rosenborg were a non-entity as far as European Championships were concerned. But because of their new methods and young skilled players, they have since qualified for the Champions League five times.

Keely sees this as an example and influence on what can be done in Ireland. "Rosenborg are a realistic model for us to look at, learn from and duplicate in Ireland", he said.

Of course, Rosenborg's success didn't happen overnight. It was a detailed and well- executed plan to lift the team to where they are now.

After re-appointing Nils Arne Eggen as coach, they started to rule the domestic league. This led to an increase in sponsorship deals, and the signing of new youth players, strengthening their talent.

Winning the league title eight times led to European qualification and the resulting cash increase in TV rights and sponsorships established them as a real threat to the big teams in Europe. Since, they have beaten the likes of AC Milan.

The Norwegian team's rise has fired up the imagination of Keely, who now believes Shelbourne do the same over the next few years.

Though initial problems like raising income arise, Keely is both excited and positive at the prospects that await.

"We're years behind them (Rosenborg) from a structural point of view. But if we can get the right investment, we can make a breakthrough".

Shelbourne believe that they can change and improve. They plan on introducing new tactics to the club, from setting up a roadshow to attract investors, to continue to qualify for Europe, and learn everything they can. Chairman Browne's positive outlook on things is in step with Keely.

"We need to convince people that this is an investment, not a risk", he said. He added "The Champions League can change the landscape for clubs".