Stephen Bradley hails 'special, special night' as Shamrock Rovers progress in Europe
The Hoops boss is targeting another European group stage adventure for his reigning League of Ireland champions
Stephen Bradley saw Shamrock Rovers progress in Europe after a thriller in Tallaght and beamed: “It was a special, special night”.
And the Hoops boss is targeting another European group stage adventure for his reigning League of Ireland champions.
“The path has opened up for us and it’s about the groups now, that has to be our aim,” said Bradley, after securing a Champions League clash with Sparta Prague.
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“Sparta will be a big game - they are a top tier team. But we’ll look after that when it comes around because nights like this are special and it’s about enjoying tonight.
“We also really want to be in the FAI Cup final and win the cup and that starts away to Bohemians on Friday, so that’s our focus.”
Johnny Kenny fired Rovers into a 2-0 lead with a brilliant first-half brace but Nikolaj Hansen headed an equaliser only to botch a 98th minute penalty to force extra-time.
It was a remarkable conclusion to a gripping game in which Jack Byrne was sent off late on, and Bradley said: “I don't think I can have too many more nights like that!
“I think I experienced every emotion going but it’s just a special, special night.
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“We spoke to the players before the game about creating special memories and they have done that. It’s a special night.”
Bradley thought it was going to be a long, long night when Hansen stepped up for that last gasp penalty at the death.
“When you’re down to 10 men, they’re a good side and you’re just hoping and praying he misses it,” he said.
“But I think over the two legs we earned that bit of luck because the players were brilliant over there last week.”
Rovers will face Sparta Prague in Tallaght next Tuesday, but have the safety net of a Europa League third round clash if they lose to the Czech side over two legs.
And they also have the fall back of a Europa Conference League playoff round and a realistic chance of a return to the group stages in that competition.
Bradley admits that is the aim and said: “We know what opportunities have opened up and this was a really important game.
“Johnny Kenny, right now, is the best forward in the country by a mile. He had to learn a lot last year but everything has been pointing towards the season he’s having.”
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