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Shamrock Rovers aiming to maintain home record in Europa decider

The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Shamrock Rovers will all in all likelihood conclude their Europa League campaign tonight ahead of an autumn of six more European fixtures.

The Hoops host Ferencvaros in Tallaght Stadium, trailing 4-0 from the first leg in Hungary, with manager Stephen Bradley admitting their hopes are all but over.

The Tallaght outfit will be in the draw for the Conference League on Friday having secured their place in that competition by beating Shkupi in the previous round.

Tonight's game offers the chance to keep up their fine home record in Europe this year after winning every game so far, as well as improving their co-efficient and the league’s.

With an FAI Cup clash away in Drogheda on Sunday, Bradley will have one eye on that game as he tries to keep his squad fresh.

With a hectic schedule to come for the rest of the season, some youth players are likely to be called upon, including Justin Ferizaj and Gideon Tetteh.

The Hoops were outclassed last week and simply couldn't cope with the opposition, who seemed to ease off in the second period before a fourth goal late in the day all but put the tie to bed.

Nevertheless, there is experience to be gained for Bradley ahead of their group phase campaign.

He said: "They're a top team. I think they'll be prepared and respect us like they did over there. But we know we can be better than we were last week and hopefully we can show that tomorrow night

"The home record is something we're really proud of and something we want to try to continue. We know it'll be difficult but we'll go and do every possible to get a result

"Gideon is in training with us and has been for a long time. He is someone we have liked for quite some time and it's just about giving him the opportunity when it's right. He did really, reallly well when he came on last week and hopefully we can see that again tonight.

"For me Ferencvaros are right up there with the best teams we've played, excluding AC Milan. The goals we gave away last week were really poor from our point of view and we can be better in that regard.

"But you can't take away they have six or seven full internationals and they have real quality in the attacking part of the pitch.

"To go through in the tie is near impossible but we'll try to win the game and see where it takes us."

Roberto Lopes is another four or five weeks away. Bradley has also warned he will use Jack Byrne sparingly in order to get him to full fitness.

Ronan Finn will equal Gary Rogers for the most European appearance from the League of Ireland should he feature.

Watch Shamrock Rovers v Ferencvaros in the Europa League play-off round second leg on RTÉ2 and RTE Player on Thursday from 7.30pm

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