Johnny Kenny: ‘They’re a serious side and probably a level above us but what do we have to lose?'

Luke Jordan reporting from Tallaght Stadium.

Goalscoring hero Johnny Kenny believes Shamrock Rovers have nothing to lose when they face Sparta Prague in the Champions League qualifiers next week.

Kenny’s first half brace secured the Hoops a vital 2-1 win on Tuesday night in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers against Icelandic champions Vikingur Reykjavik.

The importance of the victory for Shamrock Rovers cannot be understated as Rovers collect a minimum of €1.7 million in European prize money this season, which is a much-needed boost for the club coffers going into next season.

“Getting through on Tuesday night was financially massive for the club”, said Kenny.

Rovers had to hang on by the skin of their teeth to progress, having played with ten men for over 20 minutes at the end of the match after Jack Byrne’s dismissal and survived a late scare when Vikingur were awarded a last-minute penalty to level the tie and bring it to extra time.

Unfortunately for Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s side, Nikolaj Hansen missed the decisive kick to the delight of the Rovers faithful in Tallaght.

Commenting on the dramatic ending to the game, Kenny added; “It was heart in the mouth stuff.

“This season we’ve conceded a lot of late goals, and I was just thinking 'here we go again' but thankfully he missed and we're through.”

Next up for Rovers is Czech giants Sparta Prague, but Kenny is relishing the tie, and called it a ‘free hit’.

“It’s probably not right to say but it is a free hit because they’re a serious side and probably a level above us but what do we have to lose?

“Coming up against Sparta Prague is going to be special. Liverpool knocked them out last season and they’re one of the best teams in the world.

“I think Ferencvaros last year was kind of a free hit as well, and we went there, and Liam Burt had a chance early on, but it didn't fare well for us in the end.

“But bringing them back to Tallaght, we had a couple of chances early on, myself personally I could have had two.

“It will be good going to Prague”.

Stephen Bradley: ‘It was a special, special night’ https://t.co/my1yEqjOAMpic.twitter.com/BiowvnKdxZ

— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 17, 2024