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).