The Daily Star Ireland
Stephen Bradley is confident that Shamrock Rovers are earning respect from European opponents after extending their unbeaten streak in the UEFA Conference League. Their impressive 3-0 win over FK Borac at Tallaght Stadium secured their place in the knockout stage with one match still to play.
With three wins and two draws from their first five matches, Rovers are set to face Chelsea away next Thursday, a match that could determine their final standing. The team’s performances have been drawing praise, with the Hoops showing resilience from the outset of their campaign. After a challenging draw against APOEL, Rovers built momentum, securing back-to-back wins against Larne and The New Saints. They then earned a valuable point against Rapid Vienna in Austria, effectively securing their progression to the knockout round.
Bradley believes the team’s consistent performances have helped establish their reputation across Europe. He attributes this to the team’s growth over time and their playing style, which has translated well from domestic matches to international competition. He also emphasized that the players’ character and determination under pressure have been key to earning this respect.
The victory over Borac, who had accumulated seven points before the match, confirmed Rovers’ qualification. They are currently in sixth place and will need a positive result against Chelsea to finish in the top eight, which guarantees automatic advancement to the last 16. However, even if they do not manage to secure that position, they can still finish no lower than 16th, ensuring a seeded spot for the playoffs.
This marks the first time an Irish team will compete in European competition after the new year. Interestingly, the League of Ireland season will begin before Rovers’ European campaign concludes.
Bradley also praised Johnny Kenny, who scored two goals in the match, bringing his total to 20 for the season. This milestone makes him the first Rovers player to reach that mark in over a decade. Bradley expressed his admiration for Kenny’s growth and maturity, acknowledging the likelihood that his rising profile could make it difficult to retain him for the following season.
Looking ahead to their trip to Stamford Bridge, Bradley acknowledged the challenge of facing Chelsea, one of Europe’s top teams. Despite this, he emphasized that Rovers would give their all, aiming to enjoy the occasion and perform to the best of their abilities, knowing the tough task that lies ahead.
