Bradley’s boys are back in Europe with trip to Larne

SHAMROCK Rovers will park their pursuit of the 2024 Premier Division title this Thursday as they travel to Belfast to face Larne in their second UEFA Conference League outing, reports James Ffrench.

Stephen Bradley’s side are full of confidence heading into the fixture, with just one defeat in their last eight games thanks to Dylan Watts’ brilliant 84th minute winner in Drogheda on Friday night.

The hoops dominated the game with 72% of the ball but failed to create too many openings against a well organised and disciplined Drogheda United side.

That brilliant Watts strike keeps Rovers firmly in the title race after both their fellow title challengers Derry City and Shelbourne won-Damien Duff’s Shels sit two points clear of Rovers and Derry with as many games to go.

There are no new injury concerns for Bradley to worry about, and his side will be fresh and full of confidence considering their good form and the six days they have to recover from their trip to Louth.

Larne, the reigning Northern Irish champions, are competing in their first ever European group stage as the first NIFL side to do so.

Managed by Tiernan Lynch, the Belfast side lost their opening Conference League fixture 3-0 way to Norwegian side Molde while Rovers came back a man down to draw 1-1 with Apoel Nicosia.

They have struggled to balance both domestic and European commitments this season, with no wins in their last three games as they sit seventh in the league, albeit with three games in hand on top of the table Linfield.

Regardless of form, Windsor Park will provide a difficult test for Stephen Bradley’s history making hoops, as they look to build on their opening round point with three more on Thursday.