Bohemians winger Bobby Ryan believes his side's dream of becoming the first Irish side to progress to the third round of the Champions League is still alive, despite their 1-0 second round, first leg defeat to Rosenborg at Dalymount Park last night.
The eircom League Premier Division side face an uphill struggle to progress when they travel to Trondheim next week, needing to win after Azar Karadas netted a vital away goal for the visitors in the 35th minute. But Ryan, who was arguably the Gypsies' most dangerous player on the night, remained upbeat. "We're still in with a shout…the next goal is the most important thing, if we get it we're back in it," he told RTE Sport.
Ryan conceded, however, that his side were not at their best. "We're very disappointed really because we didn't play to our full potential as we did last week against Borisov. We didn't create enough chances and when they got the goal it kinda knocked us back a bit." But Ryan also admitted that his opponents' superior possession game was the difference between the two sides. "They're a very good side. They keep the ball well. They made us run and run and it's so hard to get it off them and when we got it back we seemed to give it away cheaply."
Bohs manager Steven Kenny was also endeavouring to remain positive in the face of next week's difficult assignment. "There's a lot more in us to be honest, we are capable of beating them. I'm devastated to lose the game and it's a tall order to go to Norway and win……but there is a bit more in the locker for us and we can play better."
Filed by James Boylan
