Stephen Bradley: If Pico Lopes was 24, Shamrock Rovers would be getting €10m for him

The Hoops’ staff and players watched with pride how their colleague marshalled Cape Verde’s defence during their fairytale debut at the World Cup

HOME SWEET HOME: Football hero Roberto 'Pico' Lopes as he arrives at Dublin Airport on Monday. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Pico Lopes would be worth €10m if his World Cup heroics happened a decade ago, according to his Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley.

The Hoops’ staff and players watched with pride how their colleague marshalled Cape Verde’s defence during their fairytale debut at the tournament which was only ended by holders Argentina 3-2 in extra-time at the last-32 stage last Friday.

Rovers will be without their captain for Tuesday’s opening Champions League tie first leg in Malta against Floriana (6.30pm, Irish time) as the 34-year-old enjoys a well-earned rest following the return to his native Dublin on Monday.

Bradley feels the tiny archipelagic country in the central Atlantic Ocean can use their strides as a springboard like Ireland did from their initial tournament success.

“What they have achieved will have a knock-on effect in Cape Verde for a long time to come,” said the Rovers boss.

“Similar to when you go back to the Jack Charlton era here, when Ireland qualified, there was a knock-on effect on people.

“They’re gutted to be out, but it was a special time for them.

“I thought Pico was incredible against Argentina. We know he can defend but on the ball, where he has improved so much, his skill and distribution, especially in the second half, was as good as you’ll see.

“If Pico was 24, I think we’d be getting ten million for him!” Instead, their ambassador will likely see out his career with the club he’s won five titles in the last six seasons at.

That’s how they’re back in the Champions League, favourites to progress past the Maltese champions over two legs.

New signing Jonathan Afolabi was on Monday’s flight for the first outing and may feature despite his lack of action at the Belgian Pro League club his deal recently ended with, KV Kortrijk.

Should the Irish champions advance, they’ll face either FC Ararat-Armenia or Riga FC in the second round.

Bradley admits it’s difficult to research their opponents, given they’re out of season.

“In terms of their first XI, there’s been a lot of changes in their squad in the last few weeks.

“A lot of players have left, and they’ve signed some Argentinian and Brazilian players around Europe.

“We don’t know as a team what that looks like but realise they’ve brought in some good individuals.

“We watched a lot of their football from last season to learn about their identity and a feel for the philosophy of their manager (Daniel Portela).

“Even with the changes, it’s clear to see how they want to play. They’re strong and their centre forward (Mustapha Jah) is a really good player”