Shamrock Rovers overcame SK Brann 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League in a topsy-turvy encounter in front of a raucous crowd of over 5,000 in Tallaght Stadium. Having gone behind on the night, Rovers
Shamrock Rovers overcame SK Brann 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League in a topsy-turvy encounter in front of a raucous crowd of over 5,000 in Tallaght Stadium.
Having gone behind on the night, Rovers grabbed two late goals through the excellent Jack Byrne and substitute Gary O’Neil to put the tie beyond their quality counterparts, as scenes of jubilation erupted around South Dublin
Manager Stephen Bradley, understandably beaming from ear to ear, was full of praise for his side’s incredible effort over the two legs.
“Unbelievable character, togetherness, never say die attitude to go and win the tie. I think it shows were this group is going and there’s a special group in the dressing room and are going places.
We’ve played some big games here and come out on the wrong side of the result, but there comes a time when you have to win one of these big games for the group to grow and go to that next stage. Last week was one of those nights and now tonight, the character shown was unbelievable.”
Jack Byrne starred on the night, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck when his side fell behind, scoring one and assisting the winner and understandably came in for some praise from his boss, adding, “I thought he was the best player on the pitch last week.
"And again tonight, he showed just how much he has matured as a footballer. When we got him in, he was a nice footballer” he said slightly tongue-in-cheek.
“But now he’s becoming an all round footballer. He works hard for the team and now understands he has to work hard for the team, put in a shift and is doing that.
"Then he shows his quality on the ball, and for the goal it was like a young Paul Scholes back in the day with the little dink in the box for the goal. He’s becoming a real leader for us.”
With the games coming thick and fast, focus quickly switches to the game on Sunday against a resurgent UCD side, but Bradley wanted to ensure that his troops made the most their achievement.
“I’ve probably killed the dressing room a little, they’re all delighted and I’ve told them to relax and concentrate on UCD now on Sunday," he said with a wry smile.
“It’s important to enjoy tonight, it’s a special night and we’ve beaten a team that probably nobody would have gave us a chance of beating before the two ties, but it was a special, special night in front of a big crowd here in Tallaght and coming from behind to win.
"So we’ll make sure to enjoy tonight, relax and go again on Sunday”
