Rovers hopeful of upset

ROBERTO LOPES experienced one of the most eventful games of his career in last week’s Europa League clash in Bergen. And there could be more drama tonight as Shamrock Rovers defend a 2-2 away goals advantage in the second leg in Tallaght. Rovers twice came from behind in Norway as the 27year-old defender Lopes forced an own goal, gave away a penalty and then redeemed himself with a 94th-minute equaliser. ‘It was just a rollercoaster of emotions,’ said Lopes. ‘It was good to finish as hero rather than a villain, a great feeling to get the goal, but even better to bring a result back.’ Favourites ahead of the tie, the consensus is that the far bigger budgeted Brann misjudged the challenge of Rovers last week and are unlikely to do the same tonight. Lopes said: ‘I felt they underestimated us a bit... I they were overly confident in the way they were playing with no real tempo. They’ve some very good players, I thought they could reach another level. So we’ve to be ready and bring the game to them.’ Neill Farrugia (hamstring) is the only injury absentee for manager Stephen Bradley. Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City both face uphill tasks as they look to overturn 2-0 first leg deficits away to Swedish side IFK Norrkoping and Progres Niederkorn of Luxembourg respectively. ‘It’s a tough ask, but there is no point in being in the tie if you are not going to go for it,’ said St Pat’s boss Harry Kenny, who has a fully fit squad. ‘We acquitted ourselves quite well in the first leg, but just gave away two sloppy goals.’ Likewise, Cork head coach John Cotter bemoaned the concession of two ‘soft goals’ at Turners Cross. ‘We have to be positive,’ said Cotter who hopes to have both Shane Griffin and Kevin O’Connor available, though Cian Murphy and Cian Bargary are both injured. Tonight’s fixtures: UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round (second legs) – IFK Norrköping (2) v St Patrick’s Athletic (0) (7.0) Progrès Niederkorn (2) v Cork City (0) (6.30) Shamrock Rovers (2) v SK Brann (2) (Live on Eir Sport 1, 8.0)