Stephen Bradley: ‘It was a special, special night’

Luke Jordan reporting from Tallaght Stadium.

Stephen Bradley called Tuesday night's win against Vikingur a special night, as Shamrock Rovers progress in the Champions League qualifiers to face Sparta Prague next week.

A 98^th minute penalty miss by Vikingur’s Nicolaj Hansen meant the ten-man Hoops survived the Icelandic onslaught and secured their place in the next round of the Champions League with a 2-1 win.

The victory against the Icelandic champions is significant as the Hoops are guaranteed at least another three rounds of European football this season, and a good chance of European group stage football come September.

Crucially, the result on Tuesday night for Rovers means the club will net €1.7 million minimum from this latest European run.

“I think I experienced every emotion going but it’s just a special, special night,” said Bradley.

“We spoke to the players before the game about creating special memories and they have done that. It’s a special night.

“When you throw everything in, the goals, the first half performance the crowd, the opposition, the penalty miss, the sending off. It has to be right up there at the very top.”

Rovers raced into a two-goal lead in the first half courtesy of Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny, and Bradley praised the striker as the best striker in the country right now.

Next up in Europe is Czech giants Sparta Prague, but his focus is firmly on the Dublin Derby clash against Bohemian’s in the FAI Cup this Friday night.

“It be a big game (against Sparta Prague), big challenge, they are a top tier team. But we’ll look after that when it comes around. Now is about enjoying this night because nights like this are special, enjoy it.

“We also really want to be in the cup final. We really want to win the cup, and that starts on Friday in Dalymount. Enjoy tonight, recover, and then tomorrow will focus on Bohemian’s and Friday night.”

Match Report from Tallaght Stadium ✍️

A Johnny Kenny double secures Shamrock Rovers another three rounds of European football after a tense affair in Dublin. https://t.co/h68PPVeYRv

— Luke Jordan (@L_Jordan4) July 16, 2024