Joey O’Brien: ‘Don’t get beat, clean sheet, three points and roll onto the next one”

Joey O'Brien back in Rovers' starting line up on Friday night

Joey O'Brien back in Rovers' starting line up on Friday night Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)

Stuart Connolly reports from Finn Park

Shamrock Rovers equalled a 94 year old record on Friday night at Finn Park, 30 League of Ireland games unbeaten - matching the club’s own streak achieved in 1927.

Goals from Rory Gaffney and Sean Hoare – his first for Shamrock Rovers - in the space of seven second half minutes secured the win which has Stephen Bradley’s side sharing the summit with St. Patrick’s Athletic with both sides on 20 points. The Saints remain top on goal difference.

Bradley was able to welcome Joey O’Brien back into the starting lineup after six weeks out and the former West Ham United defender is happy to be back in the side after a spell on the sidelines having last played on the opening night of the campaign.

“Six weeks I’ve been out with a calf injury and the first training session I’ve done in that time was yesterday (Thursday),” said O’Brien.

“To roll into a game up here was nice, good to get the 70 minutes and nice to get the clean sheet and the win.”

Speaking about the win, the 35-year-old was quick to compliment the opposition and noted that teams will have their work cut out for them at Finn Park this season.

“It’s always a really hard game against Finn Harps, since I’ve been up here they have gradually got better as a team and they’re a real proper outfit now,” said the former Republic of Ireland international.

“They can cause you problems in both boxes and their start to the season is a reflection of that and they will be looking to push on instead of being in a relegation dogfight.” he added.

Shamrock Rovers last league defeat came at the hands of Dundalk in September 2019 and after levelling the league’s record run, O’Brien is confident the club can keep moving forward.



“We just have to keep rolling on. Up here, don’t get beat, clean sheet, three points and roll onto the next one.”

Waterford are next up in Tallaght Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon and as for any team, O’Brien reiterated that rest is vital.

“Recover, get the nutrition on board and try and get as much sleep as you can which can be difficult with travelling back down (to Dublin).

“Get some good food and drink into you and hopefully pull up on Monday and get another three points.” he concluded.

 

 



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