Marcelo salutes ‘quality’ O’Connor

BRAZILIAN defender Marcelo was fulsome in his praise of Shamrock Rovers winger Sean O’Connor after his sparkling display against Real Madrid in Monday’s memorable ‘friendly’ at Tallaght Stadium.

O’Connor’s footwork had the 21-year-old Real defender in trouble several times in the first half when twice shooting inches wide of the target.

“I thought he was impressive. Usually it is always the right winger who is the quickest in the team. But O’Connor was really quick and had a bit of quality.”

Debut man Karim Benzema, the striker signed from French club Lyon for €35 million, was the striker who ended Rovers hopes of a draw with that 87th minute winner. And judging by the celebrations, the galacticos were a relieved outfit with the 1-0 scoreline.

“Benzema did not surprise me because he is a good player. He knows where the goal is. It will be good when Benzema, Ronaldo, Kaka and Raul are all available up front,” said Marcello.

Rovers defender Pat Flynn, who made a goal-saving crunching tackle on Ronaldo in the first minute was back at work yesterday morning as a rep for Coca Cola in the Dublin suburb of Blackrock.

“Once the game got started we settled down and it was just like any other game. It was a privilege to play against these guys with their ball control and passing. It was a marvellous night for Rovers, Tallaght and the league,” said Flynn.

After their nine day training camp at Kildare’s Carton House, Real flew back to Spain last night delighted with the facilities and the serious questions asked of them against Rovers. It is on the cards that there could be a return game at the same venue next year.

Meanwhile, Colin Healy will continue discussions with Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town this morning after the Championship club yesterday agreed a fee with Cork City for the former Irish international.

On Sunday, Keane was adamant that he had no interest in the midfielder but yesterday he pounced as Ballincollig-born Healy appeared more and more reluctant to follow Denis Behan to Chris Turner’s Hartlepool side.

Elsewhere Longford Town trounced midlands rivals Athlone Town 5-2 in the League of Ireland First Division last night. Darren McKenna and Derek Glynn bagged a brace each for the visitors while Ray Kenny also got his name on the scoresheet.