Vikingur up first in critical week for Shamrock Rovers
CRITICAL WEEK: Manager Stephen Bradley during a Shamrock Rovers media conference at Roadstone Group Sports Club in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
A critical week in the season of Shamrock Rovers kicks off on Tuesday when they attempt to use last week’s stalemate in Iceland for Champions League progression at home.
Both sides wasted chances in Reykjavik last week and Hoops boss Stephen Bradley is adamant Johnny Kenny wouldn’t squander his again if the opportunity presents at Tallaght.
An expected record crowd for a European tie - 7,216 last year against fellow Icelanders Breidablik is the current high – will drive Rovers on, with the carrot of facing Sparta Prague in the next round on offer.
Emerging through tonight’s tie would put them within one win of guaranteeing group stage football in the Conference League too, spiking their prize money.
Given their ambitions of sealing an historic fifth title in a row hinges on bridging a 13-point lead enjoyed by Shelbourne with the same amount of games left, Cup success has taken on added importance.
Rovers head to traditional rivals Bohemians on Friday night in their opening round of the FAI Cup.
“Víkingur selected all their attacking players last week and despite all their corners and set-plays, we dealt with them really well and should probably have won,” says their chief Bradley.
“We know we’re up against a good side and how important these games are for Irish clubs and the league going forward.
“All the support we can get will be really important to have another special European night in Tallaght.”
The rest from weekend domestic action facilitated Lee Grace’s return from injury but this game comes too soon for Graham Burke, Markus Poom, Aaron McEneff and Rory Gaffney to recover.
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