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Fearless template best route forward for Shamrock Rovers and St Pat's in second legs - Conan Byrne

'Dylan Watts, I think these European games really suit him and his style of play'
'Dylan Watts, I think these European games really suit him and his style of play'

If St Patrick's Athletic play their cards right on Thursday, Tallaght Stadium could be the sight of raucous celebrations for the second time in the space of a week.

Last week at their home ground, Shamrock Rovers gave their hopes of securing group stage European football a veritable boost when Gary O'Neill's late, late curler gave them a two-goal advantage over KF Shkupi before Stephen Bradley's side head to North Macedonia for Tuesday's Europa League second leg.

Win that third qualifying round tie and the Hoops not only advance to the play-off stage of the continent's second tier competition, but they will also have a group stage qualification for the third tier Europa Conference League already secured in the back pocket.

Pat's gave their own chances of reaching the play-off round of the latter competition a boost when they earned an outstanding 1-0 win away at CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria last Thursday with Joe Redmond's resoluteness symbolic of the resilience shown.

The second leg this week (live on RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player) will take place in Tallaght as opposed to their own Richmond Park home but according to former Saints midfielder Conan Byrne, a similar template to the victory in Bulgaria will give Tim Clancy's side a superb chance of completing a two-legged upset and continuing their European adventure.

"The box in midfield is so important for them because you have Adam O'Reilly and now Jamie Lennon, who was brilliant the other night. He won the header from the corner to lead to the goal," Byrne told this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

"The two of them were absolutely spot on in terms of how they play with each other just in front of the back three.

"Then you have Chris Forrester and Billy King in front of them, and then with the wing-backs Anto Breslin and Barry Cotter you have pace there, you have energy, fitness, stamina and all the ingredients necessary for those wing-back positions to push up when needed."

Along with the experienced Eoin Doyle leading the line, the potential to more than just hold out against a CSKA onslaught in Dublin is a possible prospect according to Byrne.

"Tim Clancy has the correct ingredients to get a positive result on Thursday. I'm not saying they're going to win the game but I think it would be the wrong tactics if they're just holding out for a draw," he said.

"But play like they did in CSKA Sofia and they will probably need to add a little bit more to it and you could see one of the biggest upsets in Irish European history."

Similarly, Byrne believes Shamrock Rovers need not focus on sitting back too much against Shkupi.

They will be without the influential Chris McCann through injury and for a spell in the second half last Thursday saw the Macedonian side take control of proceedings and pull a goal back via midfielder Queven.

"I do think the job isn't done," he said.

"Queven is a very good goalscorer and creative midfielder as well. Sunday Adetunji as well has 20 goals last season for Shkupi and he'll be a danger man back on home soil.

"Even Vladica Brdarovski, he only came on at half-time and I think he's going to start and numerous international caps and over 250 league games over the course of his career. He did well when he came on.

"But like Pat's, I think Shamrock Rovers, they shouldn't be going out trying to hold onto what they have. Their squad is well capable of getting a very positive result and even a win against Shkupi in North Macedonia."

Byrne added that it offers a number of key talents the platform to show their best form.

"Graham Burke, this is the level he should be playing at, absolutely fantastic player. (Rory) Gaffney has been brilliant. But Dylan Watts, I think these European games really suit him and his style of play and again, another wonderful performance from him and Gary O'Neill in midfield," he said.

"I'm very optimistic about Shamrock Rovers' progression this week."

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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