League Champions Shelbourne have move quickly to shore up their defence before they enter the Champions League next week against Macedonia's Sloga Jugomagnat, by signing Arbroath defender Robert Raeside on a free transfer.

Shelbourne's defensive problems were caused by injuries to both Dave Campbell and captain Pat Scully and, with a bit of gentle persuasion by manager Dermot Keely, Raeside was convinced on the Tolka Park move.

Raeside spent four seasons at Scottish Premier side Dundee but failed to make a huge impact, only playing 31 times. He was loaned out to Arbroath at the end of last season and later joined the Scottish Second Division side on a free-transfer.

Despite being offered a one-year contract at Gayfield he decided to move to Ireland. Raeside could not be blamed for deciding to move from a team nicknamed the Red Litchies!

The South African-born defender celebrates his 28th birthday today and a great present would be making the starting line-up for Shelbourne in the Champions League. He has a very good chance of this - but will he be able to keep his place in the team once Pat Scully returns?