COMETH THE AAR COMETH THE MAN
AIK (1) v Shamrock Rovers (0)
Europa League Round 1 qualifier (2nd leg), 6pm
AARON GREENE intends to grasp his second chance to make a good first impression at Shamrock Rovers.
An injury-hit stint at his home club six years ago didn’t work out for the winger.
Greene was released at the end of a traumatic 2012 season for Rovers which had seen boss Stephen Kenny sacked.
The 28-year-old returned to Tallaght last week, coming from the crisis at Bray Wanderers to make a sub appearance in the Europa League as Hoops lost their first leg 1-0 to Swedes AIK.
“The deal was on to get back here for over a year, so I’m delighted it’s finally happened,” said Greene.
“I’ve been out the last three months with an MCL injury. So I was delighted to get back on the pitch last Thursday and make my debut, get a touch of the ball again.”
Given his previous stint at the club, some Hoops fans weren’t entirely pleased to see him but Greene is determined to make an impact this time.
“A lot of people keep saying that my attitude here the first time (wasn’t right),” said Greene.
“I was only a young fellah then, so I don’t know where that has come from. I actually had the same injury then that I’m coming back from now.
“I’m from Tallaght. It means something to me to play here.
“I want to come here and win things and be a part of good nights in Europe and do well in the League for this club.”
A run in Europe this season looks a tall order as Rovers chase that first leg deficit against the unbeaten Swedish league leaders in Stockholm tonight.
But Greene, who has scored in Europe for Sligo and St Pat’s, is quietly confident the tie remains alive.
“AIK will try to kill the game off, we believe, in the first half.
“They’ll come out all guns blazing with a big crowd behind them in a fantastic stadium.
“We just need to weather that storm and stay in the game.
“I think we can score. If we stay patient we will get chances.
“It can be small margins in football. In the first game we just switched off that little bit and they punished us.
“We know where their weaknesses are. We’ve watched the video back and know where we can improve in different parts of the game.
“We’re definitely in this tie and it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”
Midfielder Brandon Miele and striker Sean Boyd remain out for Rovers.