Stephen Bradley gave this team news in advance of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League qualifier against AC Milan.
Qst: Would you say that the win in Cork was one of our best performances of the season?
“I think in parts it was. It was definitely a good performance and we’re happy with the three goals and the clean sheet.”
Qst: It’s a record win for Rovers over Cork City at Turner’s Cross, and only the second time we’ve ever scored three goals there, does that show how ruthless the team were on the day?
“It’s always a tough place to go. No matter where Cork are in the league and what their form is, it’s always a tough place to go and come away with maximum points so the performance was excellent and we’re delighted with the three points.”
Qst: We know how good Daniel Lafferty can be as a player but his impact in the final third in recent weeks must be a real bonus for us?
“Danny has been excellent. He’s a very clever footballer, his positional timing is really good and especially the last few weeks Danny’s final ball and impact has been really high. His timing and understanding of where to be in the final third is very, very good.”
Qst: It was Aaron Greene’s first goals since the break so was it great for him to get on the scoresheet again?
“It was good because his all-round game has been very good, what he brings to the team as a whole. His link up play and runs in behind and obviously his work rate. I was delighted for him to get the goals because his play deserves that.”
Qst: Neil Farrugia must have been delighted to score his first goal for the club?
“It was a good goal by Neil, it’s something he works on all the time in training and after training, coming inside on his right foot. Everyone knows his left foot but he’s been working really hard on coming inside on his right and it paid off for him on Saturday.”
Qst: AC Milan will certainly be the toughest opponent you’ve faced in your time as manager, how do you approach a game like this where Rovers are the underdogs?
“We know it’s going to be a difficult game obviously but we’ll go with a game plan to try and win the game like we always do. We know there’s going to be times in the game when we’re up against it and we’re going to have to dig in. That’s only normal when you play a team of this quality but I honestly believe that we have enough quality to cause any team problems and create chances and I think Thursday will be no different.”
Qst: Rovers normally enjoy a lot of the ball in games, will we have to adapt a little in this instance?
“You have to understand the quality of player you’re up against, it’s going to be really high and there’s going to be periods in the game where you’re not going to have the ball. You’ve got to be comfortable with that and ready for that, and be ready to work and put in a shift. But there’s going to be patches in the game where we will get possession and chances and we’ve got to be ready to take them.”
Qst: Given that their season hasn’t started yet and it’s a one-off game at home, is there a feeling amongst the group that anything can happen in football?
“Of course, you have to believe you can win every game you go into. We know what we’re up against, we’re up against a top team but we believe that we can cause any team problems.”
Qst: It’s obviously a shame that there won’t be any fans in the ground but will it still be a great occasion to host such a famous name in European football in Tallaght?
“It’s fantastic to welcome to Tallaght what is football royalty really. The only drawback from the occasion is that our fans won’t be there to witness it. This is what it’s about for our fans, big nights like this and it’s just unfortunate that they won’t be there.”
Qst: You were at the club in 2010 when Rovers played Juventus so you know from experience that the players really want to test themselves against the best like this?
“Of course you do, as a group we’re excited and really looking forward to this. This is why you play football, for nights like this and big games. To test yourself against the best and on Thursday we have a chance to do that, so it’s a really exciting game to look forward to.”
Qst: Liam Scales is suspended but are there are new injuries?
“Liam is out and Sean Kavanagh is back but that’s it.”
Thursday’s game is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player in Ireland and the UK