Stephen Bradley: 'Losing the league can make us better and stronger'

Up until the final six minutes of the League of Ireland season on Friday, Stephen Bradley’s Rovers were heading for an unprecedented fifth title on the spin. Then, Damien Duff masterminded a late winner against Derry to usurp them

Manager Stephen Bradley speaks to the media during a Shamrock Rovers press conference at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Having emerged from one Celtic derby as victors, another would propel Shamrock Rovers to a wider reach in Europe.

The Hoops have accrued four points from their opening pair of league phase games, holding APOEL to a 1-1 draw before pulverising Larne 6-1 at Windsor Park a fortnight ago.