Thompson braces for 'freezing hell'
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FULL AUDIO INTERVIEW: Extratime.ie reporter Lisa Fallon talks to Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Ryan Thompson about the bitterly cold conditions in Russia as the Hoops face Rubin Kazan in a Europa League Group A game.
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Shamrock Rovers' Jamaican international goalkeeper Ryan Thompson is bracing himself for “a freezing hell” as the Hoops face Rubin Kazan tomorrow evening (kick off 17.00 Irish time).
The shotstopper will be looking for a better performance against the Russians this time around after Micheal O’Neill’s men were well beaten 3-0 at Tallaght Stadium back in September against Kazan.
“That game left a bitter taste in our mouths, we all know we could have played much better," Thompson told ExtraTime.ie. “We gave them two goals from defensive errors."
Ahead of tomorrow's game he added: “We have nothing to lose ... I always look forward to playing football and to express myself, hopefully we can get a result."
With temperatures set to drop below zero around kick-off time in the western Russian city of Kazan, Thompson was give a bit of a shock when he first encountered the cold earlier today.
“It’s a freezing hell. Honestly, it’s madness! It is. I’ve not been in it before, I’ve lived in Florida!” he laughed.
As the 2011 Airtricity League Premier Division Champions prepare for their penultimate European game of the season, Thompson reckons the Hoops batteries are fully recharged and the extra games in Europe are a bonus and certainly not a hindrance.
Indeed, he also believes that the group stage, despite the Hoops failing to pick up a point in their first four games, has improved an already talented squad.
“It has made me a better player and I’m sure it’s the same for all the lads, everybody wants to go out with a bang, we feel we deserve some points from this group."
