Johnny Kenny explains why Shamrock Rovers' hectic European schedule can be a help, not a hindrance
The Hoops face Bohemians in the FAI Cup on Friday before hosting Sparta Prague in the Champions League
Johnny Kenny believes Shamrock Rovers’ hectic schedule is a help not a hindrance as it will help focus minds for a strong finish to the season. The Hoops striker fired a brilliant brace to down Icelandic champions Vikingur in Tuesday’s dramatic Champions League clash in Tallaght.
His goals - combined with Vikingur’s injury-time penalty miss - means the Hoops progress to host Czech giants Sparta Prague in the second round next Tuesday. Rovers now have the safety net of a Europa League third qualifying round, and a Europa Conference League playoff to fallback on.
Kenny is eyeing a group stage adventure in one of those competitions, but has also stressed the importance of getting back on track domestically.
READ MORE: John Caulfeld hails arrival of Ireland international as 'significant moment'
READ MORE:'Multiple sanctions' issued to fans involved in Dundalk v Drogheda row
The Hoops are 13 points off league leaders Shelbourne - but have a game in hand - in their pursuit of a fifth league title in a row.
And tomorrow, they go to arch rivals Bohemians in the second round of the FAI Cup determined to seal the deal and kick on to reach the final in November.
The fixtures will come thick and fast but Kenny sees it as a positive and said: “It's never ending but that's what you want to do as a footballer, play every few days.
“Bohs this Friday is the toughest cup draw we could have got but we have to meet it head on.
“We're still in the cup, we're still in Europe and we're still in the league. We're still in them all so we have a good shot.”
Kenny’s goals not only booked a date with Sparta Prague, but it opened the door to financial gain with Rovers already set to bank at least €1.7 million in prize money.
That’s badly needed after last year’s premature European exit and Kenny admits the players knew the pressure was on against Vikingur.
But he feels the Sparta Prague clash is a free hit for the Hoops, considering they reached this season’s Europa League Last 16, before going out to Liverpool.
Kenny said: “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 and I could have had two myself.
“It will be good going to Prague. It will be good to test ourselves and see where we are compared to that.
“Getting through on Tuesday night was financially massive for the club. Playing that opposition (Vikingur), they’re probably closer to what we are.
“But going to Prague. I think the expectation won't be as high from the fans and outside to go and beat them.”
Kenny could barely watch as Nikolaj Hansen stepped up to take the 98th minute penalty that would have forced extra-time - only for the captain to smack the post.
“It was heart in the mouth stuff,” said Kenny with a smile.
“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 again.”
And Rovers fans have Kenny to thank for that as he put the frustration of his missed chance in Iceland behind him to deliver in the high-stakes second-leg.
“Every striker misses chances and it’s just how you deal with them,” added the on-loan Celtic ace.
“The run of games has helped me massively this year and scoring goals and winning games is what I love to do.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
