Stephen Bradley’s team news update in advance of Wednesday’s game v’s St. Patrick’s Athletic at Tallaght Stadium. Kick off is at 7.45pm and the game is live on RTÉ2 including the post match trophy presentation.
Qst. Were you pleased with another three points in Ballybofey?
“We were delighted. We did really well in the game considering the condition of the pitch. I thought we managed the game really well and we’re delighted with the win.”
Qst. It was Rovers’ first game in a month, how did the players feel during it and afterwards?
“They felt fine. There were a few sore bodies afterwards but that’s only natural considering that we haven’t played in so long, and the pitch, but overall the players were fine.”
Qst. Rovers played in some bad conditions earlier in the year but just how difficult was it to play our game on that pitch?
“In terms of the actual pitch it’s probably the worst that we’ve played on. The conditions, as in the wind and rain, it wasn’t as bad as the first game of the season [at Dalymount Park]. The pitch was definitely the most challenging that we’ve played on all year.”
Qst. With Joey O’Brien scoring his first goal of the season you must be delighted with how much the goals have come from all over the pitch in the last five or six games?
“We are. We’ve created a lot a chances, from set plays and in general and it’s up to us then to go and finish them. It doesn’t matter who it is, whether it’s a centre forward or a centre half. It’s pleasing to see that the goals are coming from everywhere.”
Qst. First teams debuts for Darragh Nugent and Max Murphy, how do you think they did when they came on?
“They did really well because it’s a tough game to come on. Finn Harps have been playing well and they’re in form, they were physically strong on the night and the pitch was obviously so difficult but both of them did well.”
Qst. Was it great for Max to score a goal so quickly?
“He’s done that a few times for us in pre-season, we know he can do that the way he steps in on his right and shoots. So I’m delighted for him to get off the mark, it was a good finish.”
Qst. What do you expect from St Pat’s on Wednesday?
“I expect a really tough game. I watched them against Dundalk and they were very good. I think they can count themselves unlucky not to win the game, they had enough chances. But if we can hit our levels we fancy ourselves to go and take points in any game.”
Qst. Will Jack Byrne be able to feature?
“I hope so. Jack has been training hard so hopefully he’ll be OK to play tomorrow night.”
Qst. Did any injuries come out of Sunday?
“There was nothing new. We’ll have a few back – Neil Farrugia, Danny Lafferty will be back involved which is great because they’ve been missing a few weeks.”
Qst. How satisfying will it be for the group to finally get their hands on the league trophy tomorrow?
“The players have had to be patient. We won the league a few weeks back so they’ve had to be patient but it’s going to be a great occasion for them to get their hands on the trophy. It’s what we’ve been working for all year so I’m delighted for them to lift that trophy tomorrow night.”
