Relaxed Rovers ready for Danish test

SHAMROCK ROVERS go into tonight’s Champions League third qualifying round clash against FC Copenhagen with a massive task. They must overcome a club that made the knockout stages of the competition last year, emerging from the group stages behind Barcelona before being eliminated in the last 16 by Chelsea.

It is a different situation for Rovers tonight compared with their other games this season with Copenhagen clear favourites. However, Rovers manager Michael O’Neill speaking in the Parken Stadium ahead of the game, feels this may actually help his side. “The pressure was on us to get through the last round,” said O’Neill, “We can maybe approach this game in a slightly more relaxed manner. The expectation level is lower and I think the players will relish that.”

Rovers are missing two of their key performers from their win against FC Flora Tallinn. Midfielder Chris Turner is suspended and will most likely be replaced by Stephen Rice. An even bigger miss could be Northern Ireland international Alan Mannus who joined SPL side St Johnstone last week.