Bohemians ace Niall Morahan admits envy at Shelbourne's Euro run but vows to seal own top-three spot
SHEL SHOCK Bohemians ace Niall Morahan admits envy at Shelbourne's Euro run but vows to seal own top-three spot
NIALL MORAHAN admitted that there is envy at Shelbourne's Euro run - and Bohemians must use that as motivation to make sure they are there next year.
Bohs visit Tolka Park this evening for a crucial league game in the battle for a top three spot and European football next year.
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Niall Morahan of Bohemians reckons they can make a push to finish in the LOI top three
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Morahan praised rivals Shelbourne for their historic win over RIijeka but admitted there was envy
And Morahan knows that Shels current position outside the top three will mean they will not be distracted by Tuesday's Europa League second leg against Rijeka.
The Bohs star did not watch last Wednesday's stream of the first leg, when Shelbourne earned a historic 2-1 win. But he admitted there were mixed feelings about the result.
He told SunSport: 'It's great to see. It was a great result and bringing that win back to Tolka for the second leg is massive for them. Overall it's good for the league.
'But it can be tough to watch because everyone else in the league wants to be like them.
'Players that have played in Europe know what it's like and want to be there again, and players that haven't played in it, that's the goal to get that and have those nights.'
Morahan has Euro experience from his time at Sligo Rovers while several teammates have done it with Bohs in the past.
He said: 'There is some experience but we don't talk about it. Our only aim is on making sure we get there first.
'I know it's cliche but you have to look at each game as it comes, and make sure we're there come the end of the season.
'Especially in the position we're in, it's up to us to get into European competition next year.
'We're in a good position right now and that is obviously the goal. With ten games to go, every game is important.
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'It doesn't matter who it is against, but obviously it is bigger against the teams around you. And Shelbourne are on our tails at the moment so we need to beat them.
'It's important to pick up the three points in games like these because every point now is vital.'
But he is sure Shelbourne will be ready for today's game with their own league position meaning no chance of easing off with Tuesday's Rijeka game in mind.
He said: 'They've hit form themselves and turned things around in the league as well as Europe.
'They had a bit of a poor run, no more than ourselves earlier in the year, but have hit form now.
'Plus it's a Dublin derby which brings its own edge. This is my first season experiencing them and they are different to other games, but they are enjoyable.'
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