Shamrock Rovers make history in the Europa Conference League, facing Molde in Norway. Can they overcome the odds and reach the Last 16?
Shamrock Rovers are embarking on a historic European journey, taking on Molde in Norway in a two-legged clash to secure a spot in the Last 16 of the Europa Conference League . This marks the furthest any League of Ireland team has ever progressed in European competition, with the Hoops entering the tie as the seeded side despite facing long odds from the bookmakers.
Rovers concluded the group stage with an impressive 10th place finish, while Molde narrowly squeezed into the knockout rounds in 23rd position. The primary objective for Rovers in this game, where temperatures could plummet to -5 degrees, is to maintain a competitive edge heading into the second leg at Tallaght Stadium next Thursday. It's a pivotal week for Rovers, who also have the significant challenge of their opening league match of the season against arch-rivals Bohemians at Aviva Stadium on Sunday. The match will take place at Aker Stadium in Molde, a venue with a capacity of 11,800 but expected to host a smaller crowd of 4,500. An estimated 200 to 250 Shamrock Rovers supporters will be making the trip to Norway to cheer on their team.Kick-off is scheduled for 5.45pm Irish time, or 6.45pm in Norway. Premier Sports holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the game, with their coverage commencing at 5.15pm. Rovers have been dealing with several injuries, with Jack Byrne, Trevor Clarke, Darragh Nugent, and Rory Gaffney all ruled out. While Neil Farrugia, Johnny Kenny, Sean Hoare, Richie Towell, and Darragh Burns have departed the club during the offseason, new signings Ed McGinty, Adam Matthews, Matt Healy, Michael Noonan, and Danny Grant are all available for selection in Norway. Molde have also seen a turnover of players, with left-back Mathias Lovik sold to Parma for €6 million and Wycombe Wanderers acquiring Anders Hagelskjaer for €500,000.Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley expressed his confidence in young talent Michael Noonan, stating, “It’s important to be evolving, to keep freshening up the group. :I think Michael (Noonan, 16) is ready to play. Sometimes you know when you’re speaking to younger players where their head is at and I always felt Michael was in a good place. I’ve no doubt he’s ready to play. But we’ve got to be very careful as well. It’s not ‘in you go Michael, off you go and that’s you for the season’. It’s about protecting him, exposing him and developing him. For someone so young, he’s a very very focused individual, it’s one of his biggest strengths.” Molde manager Per-Mathias Høgmo acknowledged the strength of Rovers, saying, “Shamrock Rovers defend well, are strong on the counter attack and especially with the two strikers they had before Christmas. It’s a strong team who play very direct and with early crosses into the box, that is the main thing. It's an interesting team as they try to play when they get good space and I see that in the way they attack, they use their strength. But we're at home and we want to dictate the game from the start and play on our strengths. It's a very fast pitch and we want to use that and to attack.
Shamrock Rovers Molde Europa Conference League European Football Irish Football Norway Knockout Stages Stephen Bradley Per-Mathias Høgmo
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