Burke value on rise as Rovers hit Bray for five

REPUBLIC of Ireland international Graham Burke struck a brace as Shamrock Rovers cruised to victory over beleaguered Bray Wanderers. The Hoops forward netted an early penalty after Conor Kenna was sent off and then struck a fine third 14 minutes from time on an evening when the home side ran riot.

Whether this was a goodbye present from Burke remains to be seen, and Rovers’ stance on the fee they wish to secure from Preston North End would only be reaffirmed after this display.

Bray might not be up to much, but you can be sure the powers that be at Tallaght Stadium will be keen to see an increase on the €300,000 offer.

Burke’s brace comes on the back of his goal for Ireland last weekend. Rovers proved just too strong for their opponents with goals from Sam Bone, Daniel Carr and David McAllister adding to their misery on a night when 16-year goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made his league debut and kept a clean sheet.