Benfica a tough nut to crack for Amond

WHEN Pádraig Amond left Shamrock Rovers two years ago his career looked finished.

The young striker had been with the Dublin club since he was 11 but he didn’t figure in manager Michael O’Neill’s plans and he sold him to Sligo Rovers.

Nine magical months followed. He led the league’s goalscoring charts. Got the bit o’red into two cup finals and was sold to Portuguese side Pacos Ferreira.

He’d never have thought it possible when he left Tallaght Stadium for the last time. But now he has the chance to go better again in the Portuguese League Cup final against Benfica tomorrow night at 8.45pm.

“It’s going really well and I’m enjoying it,” said the Carlow man.

“This is something to look forward to especially after missing two finals with Sligo when I moved out here. This more than makes up for them.

“We’re going to be massive underdogs. I suppose it’s the equivalent of Manchester United against Blackpool in a cup final. They have so much over us it’s unreal.”

With Portuguese club football among the most highly regarded in Europe at the moment, Benfica’s appearance in the Europa Cup semi-final against Braga puts them on a pedestal far beyond seventh-placed Pacos’s reach.

Given their meeting last month resulted in a 5-1 hammering, Amond and his team-mates have reason to be cautious but, instead, he’s confident about his side’s chances.

“Things like that can help. They might be cocky. They might think they’ve it won. They were playing the other semi-final in the other cup and were 2-0 up after first league but lost at home 3-1. Saying that there could be a backlash. They also lost the league to Porto in their stadium.”

But when looking for inspiration he didn’t have to search far: “Birmingham beat Arsenal in the league final so it can happen.”

Amond is unlikely to start, however. He’s struggled for starts with his Portuguese side so far in a side boasting several highly-rated Brazilian attackers.

“When I did move out I didn’t think I’d break into squad so fast. But I’ve been in every match-day squad so far.

“There was also only one occasion when I came off and thought I didn’t do myself justice.

“I think when I’ve got a chance I’ve done well. A couple of the papers here are writing that I should be playing more. Regardless I’ve learned a lot this year about football and life out here on my own.

“It’s something I’ve really enjoyed. I think other people should give it a chance. Playing football in England is not the be all and end all. When I was small I just wanted to play in England but I’ve never regretted this move.”

Picture: INPHO