Richie Towell: 'It's great to see Pico Lopes fly the flag for Rovers and the league'

The Dublin-born centre-back declared for Cape Verde through his Dad Carlos and is participating in his second major tournament, readying himself for the threat of Mo Salah on Monday.

Pictured is Richie Towell of Shamrock Rovers, at Virgin Media Television Studios in Ballymount, Dublin.

African Cup of Nations chatter is a new topic for the players of Shamrock Rovers at their training base but Richie Towell insists their Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes is also representing the entire League of Ireland.

The Dublin-born centre-back declared for the nation through his Dad Carlos and is participating in his second major tournament, readying himself for Friday’s clash with Mozambique (kick-off 2pm).

Cape Verde produced a shock at the weekend by beating Chris Hughton’s Ghana but it wasn’t such a surprise for those working regularly with the Rovers captain.

While his teammates were resting up over Christmas and then gradually starting with leisurely jogs, Lopes was at full tilt in preparation for his trip to the Ivory Coast.

“Pico is one of the best professionals I've ever worked with,” said Towell, also part of the Hoops team that clinched a record-equally four-in-a-row of titles last year.

“We came into pre-season, starting with gym work, but Pico was out on the pitch trying to get himself ready for the AFCON. When you see someone like him working so hard getting the rewards, it's amazing.

“I was talking to him the day he played and won against Ghana. My wife was asking me if I was going to put something on the telly and I said 'no, Pico's playing'.

“She thought all the football was finished but it was great watching him. They were actually better than Ghana - more possession and shots on target.

“It's brilliant to see Pico flying the flag for us - not just as a club, Shamrock Rovers, but for the League of Ireland as well.” Former Brighton midfielder Towell, speaking at the launch of Virgin Media’s expanded LOI coverage to 14 live matches during the upcoming season, is enjoying the lead-up to the season kicking off, especially as he’s spared the arduous hill run.

“Every year, we’ve to run 7km up the mountains from the Poitin Still on a massive incline,” said the 32-year-old. “When you get to a certain stage they crop you out. I won it last year and the young lad Naj Razi did this year. I don't think it's physical, moreso a mental challenge to show that the group can break down the barriers if needed.”