O’Neill insists Rovers can cope with heat of battle in Belgrade cauldron

MICHAEL O’NEILL is adamant his Shamrock Rovers players won’t be intimidated by the cauldron of heat and hostility in the Partizan Stadium in Belgrade tonight.

Temperatures hit 41 degrees in the Serbian capital yesterday. And though that should drop to the mid 20s at match time tonight, the atmosphere the local fans create will ensure Rovers get a red hot reception.

But Rovers’ boss O’Neill is unbowed by that expectation or the prize of over €1million minimum at stake as his side enter territory no Irish team has traipsed before.