'You can see slowly that things are taking shape in Kerry': Healy relishing shot at Shamrock Rovers

"Anything can happen," said Kerry FC manager Colin Healy about his side's FAI Cup semi-final clash with Shamrock Rovers. "It’s a one-off. In our last game against Sligo, when the draw came out, probably nobody fancied us."

Kerry FC manager Colin Healy wants to see more big nights at Mounthawk Park like the club had for their FAI Cup quarter-final victory over Sligo Rovers. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Colin Healy expects to have a couple of players back in contention to face Shamrock Rovers in Sunday’s FAI Cup semi-final. Though, the Kerry FC manager was coy on revealing their identity.

"We have had one or two (injuries) over the last two or three weeks,” said Healy.

“Hopefully they should be back in this week training. I did not want to risk them in the last two games, so they should be back in.” 

Rovers are away to Sparta Prague in the Uefa Conference League on Thursday night. Healy believes the 25-time FAI Cup winners have the squad to manage playing big games in such close proximity.

“It’s up to the players if they want to watch it,” said Healy. “As coaches we will watch it, absolutely.

“The team that they have, they can make so many changes it doesn't really matter to them. They have got quality throughout the squad, and it showed that they can play on Thursday night and again on Sunday, it doesn't affect them.” 

Healy knows Stephen Bradley well and regards him and Rovers highly.

“What I would say is that, with the squad that he has, he’s got top players in every position, and probably two in some positions,” said Healy.

“He’s keeping them all happy. You need to rotate it and it’s just every week they’re relentless.

“You need to buy into that as well, and that comes from the management and the staff. You give him credit for that. Stephen is a good fella. I did my coaching courses with him.

“He’s a top, top coach, but he’s a really respectful person as well, and I think that’s important. He’s done ever so well in the league, and over the years, with what he’s done for Shamrock Rovers, and it’s a credit to him and his family.

“He’s done well getting to Europe in the last two seasons, and you can see what Shels have done as well. The league is getting stronger and stronger, and the quality of the players is getting better and better.

“It’s like any other manager. We train every day, and we give the players everything that they need. It’s on match days that they’ve to go out and perform.

“Obviously it takes time to get what you want from the players, but you can see slowly that things are taking shape in Kerry. We always want more, and that will take time. That’s what we’ll work to achieve.” 

The Kerry boss said nothing changes this week.

“We will keep it the same (preparation)," said Healy. "We don’t do many changes, the week will be the same, and nothing changes. We do it every game, there’s analysis and all that kind of stuff. Strengths and weaknesses, though we haven't found any weaknesses yet (in Rovers)."

Healy is delighted that Kerry are punching above their weight.

“I’m delighted for everybody connected with the football club," he said.

"There’s a good buzz around the town and, on the night that we beat Sligo, it was a sell-out. Hopefully, going forward, we want more of it. The players drive off that, and it’s great to see.

“There is a big gap. In the Premier Division, the quality that they have, the squads that they have, they’re very, very strong. Anything can happen. It’s a one-off. In our last game against Sligo, when the draw came out, probably nobody fancied us. Within the group, we fancied ourselves.

“It’s that belief that I have in the players, and it’s going to be a big game, and a big ask for us on Sunday. I’m looking forward to it for the players, and looking forward to it for the fans, it should be a good day.”