Boost for Bohs in glory hunt
Hawkins has been prevented from training properly over the past month by an injury that forced him to miss several league matches, but he was brought back into the team to play in the first round matches against BATE Borisov of Belarus. His presence is critical to Bohs’ prospects of causing a major upset.
Ryan was the goalscoring hero of last season’s exciting climax to the league when he scored the late, late goal that helped Bohs beat Shelbourne in the critical contest to clinch the title. He damaged a hamstring last week against BATE but was able to train fully yesterday.
Rosenborg go into the game as firm favourites as their record in recent times has been highly impressive. They have won their domestic league title 12 times in a row and this is their ninth consecutive Champions’ league competition. They have played some of the biggest teams in Europe over recent seasons.
Manager Age Hareide yesterday spoke of the confidence within their squad and this was not surprising given their knowledge of the standard in Ireland. Hareide played for Norwich City and Manchester City and is familiar with the part-time set-up that applies to most clubs here.
That does not apply to Bohs, however, for they have grown considerably in recent seasons and they now run a top class, professional club and a team capable of performing credibly against the best of opposition. Their wins over Kaiserslautern of Germany and Aberdeen in recent seasons confirmed that.
To entertain any hope of advancing beyond Rosenborg for a glamorous tie against the sophisticated Spaniards of Deportivo La Coruna, however, they must win by a couple of goals at Dalymount tonight.
There is no doubt they have potential for midfielders Keith Hunt and Stephen Caffrey are outstanding footballers with an appetite for hard work and in centre-forward Glen Crowe they have the best striker in Ireland.
Ryan and Mark Rutherford contribute generously to Crow’s haul of goals with a skilful service from the flanks and overall this is a well-balanced and talented Bohs’ side.
Manager Stephen Kenny was cautious after yesterday’s training session: “They have to be overwhelming favourites, we are huge under-dogs,” he said. “This is a big step up in class for us but it is a challenge we are looking forward to.
“The timing of the game is right for us. We scored three against BATE and two against Dundalk in the cup so our forwards are back on song and it was good to keep two consecutive clean sheets as well so mentally we are in the right frame of mind,” he said.
Rosenborg are expected to include former Celtic striker, Harald Brattbakk in their team as well as the experienced Vidar Riseth and leading goalscorer Frode Johnsen.
Manager Hareide would not reveal his preferred team selection yesterday but he said they expected to win both legs to advance to the third round.
Rosenborg beat Valerengen 1-0 last weekend. They looked hugely capable in the opinion of Derek O’Neill, an FAI development officer who went to watch them on Bohs’ behalf.
Kenny was hoping Bohs would unveil an extra weapon, however, in the form of the enthusiastic Dublin fans: “The crowd can play a major role. Rosenborg are used to playing before big crowds of 50,000 so they will not mind, but the support we got last week was an inspiration,” he said.
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