5 days ago
Stephen Bradley braced for 'hostile' reception in Kosovo
Stephen Bradley is braced for a "hostile" reception in Kosovo tonight as Shamrock Rovers look to earn a positive result in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier against Ballkani.
It'll be an awkward assignment at the Pristina City Stadium, even if the Hoops are fancied to ultimately get through this tie.
Last year Larne beat Ballkani on penalties at this stage of the Conference League qualifiers. If the Hoops overcome Ballkani, they'll face either Larne or Portuguese side Santa Clara in the play-off round.
Bradley is not looking beyond tonight however, warning: "I'm sure it will be a hostile place. The pitch looks a big pitch and it's a grass pitch, which always helps. Ballkani have some very good technical players.
"We know about their centre-forward (Sunday Adetunji), he scored against us for Shkupi in 2022 and both wingers are good players.
"So you can see they have a real clear identity in what they do, with some good individuals. It has the makings to be a very good game."
Bradley offered an update on the health of his squad ahead of another big week for the club.
They tightened their control of the title race with a 2-0 win against Derry City on Sunday, and are looking in good shape overall as the season enters a crucial period.
"The squad is in a good place, so with that, you don't have to take unnecessary risks with certain players," Bradley stressed.
"If it was the last game of the season or a cup final last Sunday (against Derry City), there's no doubt Graham (Burke) would've played.
"But Graham is so important to us that we don't want to risk losing him for a long period of time. But he's fine and should be back for (tonight) or Sunday (against Galway United).
"It's nothing major but we need to be cautious with Graham. Dan Cleary came through OK. He did really well just to get on the pitch and play, but he feels a lot better now.
"Aaron McEneff had a scan and we're just waiting on the results and hopefully it's not too bad. He came out early on Sunday, he didn't feel anything major happened. He felt some tightness, which is always a good sign when you come off early enough."
Last season's journey to the final knockout stages of the Confernce League gave Shamrock Rovers a taste of the big time. They're hungry for more.
"We enjoyed Sunday, as it's important to enjoy those moments, those games and winning them," Bradley added.
"But then on Monday morning, the full focus turned to Ballkani. That's what we do with this team, and this club, and we're well used to doing that.
