Shamrock Put LoI Disappointment Behind Them To Keep Unbeaten European Run Going

The 2024 League of Ireland campaign was certainly one for the record books in many ways, as despite Shelbourne's extravagant early season lead, a number of sides caught up as Damien Duff's team wobbled, and that meant that as the season came to a close there were multiple potential title winner outcomes, not least European permutations to consider.

After the 36th matchday for all concerned though, we now know that Shels were confirmed as champions for the first time in 18 years and Shamrock Rovers had to settle for the runners up spot, despite securing victory of their own and doing all they could on the final day of the season against Waterford, and in fairness for those with a DraftKings promo code that was what they would have used it on as it was the most likely outcome.

Rovers did not have too long to dwell on how the campaign had gone though, as there was a quick turnaround to Thursday evening's Europa Conference League clash with The New Saints, but in the build up to the game manager Stephen Bradley confirmed that Richie Towell would again be missing from his squad after a disciplinary issue had been quietly addressed - this obviously means that he will not feature for the remainder of their European campaign.

This decision clearly relates to the 33 year old midfielder venting his frustrations publicly by storming down the tunnel after he failed to come off the substitutes bench in the 2-0 victory over Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium back in early October. The player has not featured since for Bradley, and he has not even been training with the first team squad and with games against Rapid Vienna, Boruc and Chelsea to follow, the question was asked as to whether or not Towell would be involved in any of the fixtures coming up.

Bradley was definitive in his answer, confirming that he was not involved in his training plans, and nor was he in his game plans, and that naturally brings his future at the club into question as he will soon be out of contract. That was a follow up question that the 39 year old gaffer professionally dodged saying that a discussion about Towell right now was not on the cards as he had a game to prepare for, but offering that such a conversation would follow at the end of the season.

Ahead of the game Towell was not the only player missing out on the tie as striker Marc McNulty was not registered for the league phase in Europe, but would likely be registered if they make the knockouts. Danny Mandroiu and Sean Kavanagh would also be missing with injury, with Sean Hoare also a doubt. Rory Gaffney is obviously out following his own long layoff.

Those selection issues did not harm them on the evening though, as despite initially falling behind in the 14th minute to their Welsh opposition, they rallied and staged a comeback to take all three points in a 2-1 victory. It means that their unbeaten record in the Europa Conference League continues into the next game and they will be looking to add to the seven points that they have picked up from their opening three games.

Hoops fans will certainly have their own hopes with the three games that remain.