'We're not used to losing': Healy confident Rovers will finish the job

Shamrock Rovers face Galway on Wednesday requiring a point to secure their fifth title in six seasons. 

Despite defeats for Shamrock Rovers in their last three League of Ireland games, Matt Healy says "the mood in our camp is good". Pic: INPHO/Dan Clohessy

Matt Healy believes Shamrock Rovers can overcome their jittery form to finally reclaim the League of Ireland title on Wednesday (8pm).

The Hoops had lost only four of their 31 league games but defeats in the last three have delayed clinching the honour, which seemed inevitable from early in the season.

That one point required has eluded them while second placed Derry City kept the pressure on by winning, most recently on Sunday over the Hoops.

It’s a game in hand of significance for John Caulfield’s Galway too, as they aim to escape the relegation playoff spot, but his fellow Corkman Healy feels the Rovers blip can be ended.

“We’re an experienced bunch, so we are used to everything that football throws at you,” said Healy, who returned to the LOI at the start of the season having spent 18 months in the Belgian Challenger Pro League club with Royal Francs Borains.

“We’re not used to losing, so it’s been a frustration, but we can win it at home in front of our own fans. Playing on such a great surface at Tallaght is brilliant and our fans will push us on.

“Galway have been difficult for us all season, close games that resulted in a few draws and a win, but the mood in our camp is good.” 

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley concentrated on the magnitude of being on the verge of a fifth title in six seasons.

He said: “I think it’s really important that people understand what this group are doing and what they have done and where they have put the club on the brink of at the moment.

“It’s unprecedented in Ireland, what they can achieve this year. That’s full credit to the players who’ve been exceptional. The last few weeks we’ve had tough moments, but that’s football, that’s the way it goes.

“Not everything is plain sailing. But you can’t lose sight of where this group has taken the team and the club.”