Sean Hoare says Hoops with point on the board still have point to prove in Europe

Macdara Ferris reports from Tallaght Stadium

Sean Hoare admitted that winning the league title on Monday while sitting in his living room was weird but Derry’s draw in Sligo has also given the Hoops a hand in their European campaign.

The defender, who earned his fifth League of Ireland winners medal this week, feels there is unfinished business for Rovers in Europe. The Hoops sit bottom of the group still seeking the club’s first win in group stage football.

“It was brilliant to win the title – the club’s third in a row,” said Hoare speaking in Tallaght on the eve of their game against Gent and acknowledging that the title celebrations will have to wait a little bit longer.

“We have been professional about it and we know we have the European games against Gent and next Thursday (in Sweden) as well. We don't really feel we have done ourselves justice in the group so far. We feel we have a bit of a point to prove.”

There has been an element a criticism outside of the club with Rovers’ results in the group stage – with the team selection often tailored for their upcoming league matches. That won’t be the case for the final two games after the title was secured this week.

“We've had important games around the European ones and that hasn't helped. The league is your bread and butter and you want to deal with that first. It has been a bit of a shame but now we can give it our all against Gent and try and correct a few of the mistakes that we made in the past.”

A Belgian journalist asked Hoare was there frustration with the team being on zero points in the group and Hoare pointed out politely that the Hoops have a point on the board.

“Sorry to correct you there but we do have one point in the group,” said Hoare. That came from a scorelss draw against Djurgarden in Tallaght, a result that looks an even better one now with the Swedish side sitting top of Group F.

“Some of our performances give us great confidence. We have played better than the results have shown but at this level the quality is such that you get punished when you make a mistake or don't perform in every minute in the game. 

“We will look back on the last four games with a bit of what could have been. We will look to correct that in the next two European games.”

Rovers’ 4-1 win over St. Patrick’s Athletic last Friday proved crucial in the title winning success. Hoare was particularly happy to get on the scoresheet after his error helped the Saints to an early goal.

“It was great to score as I felt I wasn't good enough for the goal that Pat's scored. To go up the other end in the same game and correct it was nice. It is always nice to score and the manner in which we won the game it was great.

“I was watching (the Derry game on Monday) and it was a bit of a weird feeling sitting in your living room and you've won the league. We'll take it any way we can. It takes the pressure off and we can enjoy these European games.”

Who are KAA Gent Shamrock Rovers' upcoming Europa Conference League opponents? https://t.co/UwGKsTedGGpic.twitter.com/Re82tTJexo

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