Hurt hoops hoping to bounce back on Rovers return to Budapest - Dan Cleary: ‘We are hurting at the minute with recent results but we are confident we can get a result’

Dan Cleary: 'We have confidence, as we know what they are about having played them before and beat them at home last year.'

Dan Cleary: 'We have confidence, as we know what they are about having played them before and beat them at home last year.' Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Macdara Ferris reports from Budapest

Without a win in five competitive games, Shamrock Rovers defender Dan Cleary admits that the Hoops are hurting from recent results but he believes his team can get a victory as Rovers return to face Ferencvaros for the second time in 12 months.

“Our results in the last few weeks haven't been great,” said Cleary when he spoke to this reporter in Budapest on the eve of Thursday’s game (kick off 6pm Irish time).

“What's gone is gone. We know we need to improve. We are hurting at the minute with recent results but we are confident we can get a result (in Hungary).”

Cleary played in the Hoops’ 4-0 first leg Europa League play-off defeat to Ferencvaros last season – Rovers won the return leg 1-0 in Tallaght.

The game in Budapest last year was played out in 30 degree heat but the temperatures today are expected to be in the low 20s by kick-off.

“The heat was a big factor last year and if you don't start well in Europe you get punished. It is important we start well and don't give up any sloppy goals. 

“We know the qualities that they have having played them last year. They are a massive club, making the last 16 of the Europa League last year. It is a great test for us and we are ready for it. 

“We have confidence, as we know what they are about having played them before. We beat them at home. They are a top side but these are the type of teams you play in Europe.

“We know we can raise our game but our performances at times this season have been great after a patchy start. I believe in the quality that is in the squad.”



The Hoops were beaten by Dundalk in the FAI Cup 1-0 on Sunday despite the Lilywhites playing for over an hour with ten men. 

“After the game there was disappointment but, when you look back, I wouldn't say it was a bad performance - we were maybe just not clinical in front of goal. Playing against ten men can be difficult when they don't come out. We have to take it on the chin.”

If Rovers go out in this tie their European campaign will end after just four games played – ten less than last season’s recording breaking 14 for a League of Ireland side in Europe.

“Last year, it gave us a taste of what we want. We don't want it to finish in the next couple of weeks. We are concentrating on getting a result here to bring us back to Tallaght.”

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile