Stephen: Hectic Hoops schedule not Brad’ thing
STEPHEN BRADLEY knows his Shamrock Rovers players would rather play games than listen to him barking orders on the training pitch.
And that’s why the Hoops boss insists their hectic schedule is nothing to moan about as another big European night rolls around.
The Rovers squad fly to Belgium this afternoon ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League group stage clash with Gent.
As of last night, the League of Ireland champions’ charter was due to fly from Dublin rather than Shannon, as has been the case so often this summer amid travel chaos.
Either way, they make the trip in good form having bagged a point against Djurgardens last Thursday before smashing Finn Harps for five on Sunday.
And on their return from Belgium, there will be the small matter of an FAI Cup quarterfinal with Derry City awaiting them at the Brandywell on Sunday evening.
But Bradley said: “Fatigue is always going to be thrown at you, but the players are well used to it and it’s something that they want.
Rhythm
“We asked them in the dressing room, ‘Do you want games’? They don’t want to be listening to me on the training pitch.
“They are in their rhythm and flow and they are used to it.
“It was really important that we performed and won on Sunday because we knew Derry were one point (behind) and Dundalk are also there.”
Gent also warmed up for Thursday’s clash with a league win of their own after seeing off Zulte Waregem 2-0 at home.
And Bradley knows that Rovers — who will have over 1,000 supporters with them in Belgium — cannot afford an off day in Europe. The Hoops opened their account with a disciplined performance in last week’s 0-0 draw with Swedish giants Djurgardens, with Gent drawing 0-0 away to Molde in Norway.
“We have watched a few of their games and it’s a difficult game,” said Bradley. “We know that but I feel we can go and hurt them, I really do.
“We know it’s a tough place to go and they’re a good side, but we feel we can cause them problems.
“They play a very similar system to ourselves and in the top part of the pitch, they have two or three really, really good players who are technically good.
Clever
“They are really clever and are just waiting for you to switch off. We have to be at our levels, like we were on Thursday and if we do that we can cause them problems.”
Bradley also hailed Neil Farrugia after he hit the goal trail for the first time in two years following a brace against Harps. The powerful winger has been dogged by injuries during that time but he has impressed in recent weeks.
And Bradley felt he should have pipped fit again Jack Byrne to ‘man of the match’ against Harps.
Bradley said: “I thought Neil was brilliant and a nightmare for them. But it’s his all round game, he looked so calm and confident in what he was doing.
“It’s great to see. He has been like that for the last two months, whether it is off the bench or starting.”
Roberto Lopes is close to returning from his medial knee ligament injury that he picked up in July.
And Bradley has not ruled out his defensive stalwart featuring on Sunday.