Bradley warns job is far from over for the Hoops
By Jamie Miley
SHAMROCK Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has insisted that this side will be heading into tonight's Europa League first round return leg against Norwegian side SK Brann in Tallaght Stadium looking for the win, dismissing suggestions that his squad will rely on their away goals advantage.
The opening leg saw the Hoops demonstrate great character as they twice fought back from behind to take a 2-2 draw back to Tallaght.
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has stressed that his side still have plenty to do to secure passage to the second round qualifiers
Supporters and players were proud of the second half performance and speaking to the media yesterday Bradley shot down claims that his side might sit back and simply look to hold on to their away goal advantage.
“If anyone’s thinking that, it’s absolute nonsense” he said. “SK Brann are a top team who are really dangerous and have some really good attacking players, we seen that over in Norway.
“I don’t know whose thinking or talking like that, but it’s definitely not in this group or this dressing room.
“We know what we are up against tomorrow. It’ll be a really really tough game. We’re under no illusion what we have to do tomorrow night. It’s half time, that’s it.”
Bradley stressed his side’s determination to play an attractive brand of football and one that can prove successful on the European stage.
“I think especially in Europe or any game, obviously possession is important, it doesn’t guarantee you win games or anything, but it’s the way we play and the way we want to play in Europe” he said.
“When you play against good sides that are dangerous it definitely helps that you’ve got possession.”
Rovers do have reason to feel optimistic and one player who will be heading into tonight’s game with great confidence is Hoops defender Roberto Lopes who served up the dramatic last-minute equaliser in Norway.
Yet the Hoops centre half echoed his manager’s sentiments regarding their attacking intent ahead of the return leg.
“We have to play how we have been playing, which is controlling the game and taking the game to the other team” he insisted.
“I don’t think parking the bus will be an option especially at home in Tallaght. Fans will expect us to have a go and take it to SK Brann.”
