The only place to start is Monday’s massive Dublin Derby win over Bohemians, as we emerged 2-1 winners. What are your overall thoughts having reviewed it since?
“Like I felt after the game, we were very good first half, in terms of our play and chances created. Second half, we lost control of the game and Bohs got that control and momentum was against us. We had to dig in and to be fair we did and scored before the end. Derby games are tough games.”
You had said beforehand, it would be a game with two good teams. Did the nature of each half bear that out in terms of our first half control and a period of dominance second half for Bohs before Dylan Watts’ 75th minute winner?
“It does happen and in those games when that momentum is against you, it can be hard to change. As I said, first half we were in control and Bohs had it in the second. And it’s derby games, it’s swings like that. So I’m really pleased how we managed it.”
Aaron Greene made his 250th league appearance for Rovers on Monday, how big a character and player has he been for this club?
“Aaron has been incredible for us, one of the leaders in how we’ve built what we’ve built and he continues to be that. He helps to set and raise the standards, been brilliant on the pitch for us. More importantly off the pitch as a club, what Aaron does in the Academy with young players, with the team he manages, Aaron has been brilliant for us and will continue to be going forward.”
It’s a sprint to the end of the season after that three week break for internationals. How pleased have you been with our return to action after that break?
“Really pleased. As I said before, we have experience of understanding how to manage those periods. I felt in that time we did ok, but you won’t know until you get back on the pitch. The players have been excellent and now we have three games left, starting tomorrow.”
Galway are next at Eamonn Deacy Park. We won 3-1 there in May, but it was a tough game as it invariably is against a team coached by John Caulfield and we’ll know what to expect.
“It always is a tough game in Galway. There’s nobody knows this league better than John, so his team will be ready to go. We need to be ready also and respect Galway. What’s happened in the past few weeks is gone, so full focus on these three games, starting tomorrow.”
How did the players emerge from Monday’s game and any news on Victor Ozhianvuna?
“The usual knocks from Monday, but nothing serious. Victor’s scan was moved to next week so we’ll have news early next week.”
