Miele sees players’ bond a major plus for Hoops this year
By Stephen Leonard
BRANDON Miele believes a strong bond has developed amongst the Shamrock Rovers players ahead of the start to their new Airtricity League campaign which kicks off away to Sligo Rovers this Saturday.
Pat Fenlon’s boys recently returned home from India where they contested the highly-competitive Sait Nagjee Cup in India, making it all the way to the semi finals where they came undone against Brazilian outfit Atletico Paranaense’s reserves.
Along the way they served up stunning wins against 1860 Munchen II and an Argentina Under 23 selection.
Prior to that trip they recorded a 2-0 victory away to UCD before edging out Shelbourne 2-1 upon their return in what were two challenging friendlies.
Miele, who figured strongly for Rovers in their pre-season build-up, is sure, the time spent toget- her in India will serve them well.
“We’re only back from India and I think playing over there was a big help” he told The Echo.
“It was good for the fitness and it really brought the lads together. I think we’re more together now than we’ve ever been coming into the new season.
“The opposition we played was really tough and to do as well as we did against them was really great for our confidence” insisted last season’s PFAI Young Player of the Year who is not taking lightly the challenge of Sligo in their season opener.
“Sligo away is always a tough fixture especially at the start of the season” said the Tallaght man.
“They’ve signed a few new players and it’s going to be tough, but we really need to get these three points and get our campaign off to a good start” he stressed.
Declared Shamrock Rovers’ Player of the Year in his debut season for the club, Miele appreciates he could well be a targeted man by opposition this season, but he has been preparing well.
“I’m feeling really fit and really strong” he said “I was training out of Kickstart Fitness in Rossfield and they put a lot of time and effort into me.
“I had a great season last year, but this will be a bigger challenge because the other teams will know more about me.
“But I’m just looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started” he added.
