Stephen Bradley spoke to shamrockrovers.ie ahead of a crucial Champions League QR2 tie. Kickoff in Tallaght Stadium is at 8pm, and tickets remain on sale
The result last week was disappointing but it’s really only half time?
“Yeah, I agree. We were disappointed with how we lost the game. We’re an experienced group, and we know in Europe you can obviously lose games; that’s the level it’s at. But we’re disappointed in how we lost, we were in control of the game. The positive thing is, we have a second go at it, which is tomorrow night. It’s half time. It’s a difficult task but one I genuinely believe that we can go and win the game and be in the next round.”
Rovers are in much the same situation as the first round going into the second leg this time; how do you see Ararat-Armenia compared to Floriana?
“There’s no doubt that they are a better team. But we know we can be better. And last Tuesday, large parts were good, but we know we can be better. But they are a better team (than Floriana) and they’ll bring a threat for sure tomorrow night. So will we.”
We’ve had some great European nights at Tallaght Stadium; how big a role can the fans play for the game against Ararat-Armenia?
“I think people speak about us being an experienced group team. I think our fans are experienced also in that regard. They’ve come on the journey with us throughout the years in Europe. They’ve seen the highs and the lows and they understand, they’ve learned as well when we need them. When we need their energy and I think they’re clever. Our fans are a clever bunch; they know when to bring it. I’ve said many times one thing we can’t complain about here is our fans and the support we’ve had. I know tomorrow night they’ll bring the energy that we will need to feed off. Like I said, our fans know us as a group and they know what we need. And tomorrow night, we’ll need them as loud as possible and to bring that energy.”
You must have been pleased to see Gary O’Neill back on the pitch at the weekend?
“Ah, it’s brilliant. When we sat down in November in the hospital, I think you would have given your right arm for Gary to be playing matches in July. And thank God, he’s doing that. He’s played 30 during the week in an inhouse game and then for the Under 20s he’s played 45 at the weekend. And we know it takes a little bit of time to get back in terms of fitness and all of that, but it’s just brilliant that he’s back running around on the pitch doing what he loves and doing what he’s good at so yeah, it’s a great sight seeing him back on the pitch.”
Are there any updates on injuries?
“We can see Danny Mandriou played 45 minutes at the weekend, which is great so he is that closer to being involved. Danny Grant, Dan Cleary, John McGovern and Victor, they’ll all miss out tomorrow night and Friday. Hopefully we can push a few of them then for the week after or the week after that but we’re getting there. A few injuries but the squad’s in a good place.
