UEFA were in town and had stopped by the Hoops’ camp to film the team’s ‘walk-throughs’ – images of the players that appear on TV graphics before big European clashes.
Rovers’ Conference League group-phase campaign will soon come into focus next week, with Cypriot champions APOEL Nicosia travelling to Dublin for Thursday’s opener. But for now, all eyes are on the massive clash against Stephen Kenny’s Saints, with the champions in third and eyeing another three points to crank up the heat further on leaders Shelbourne and second-placed Derry City.
A derby defeat to Bohs at the start of this month was a blow to their five-in-a-row hopes, but Stephen Bradley’s men have since bounced back in style. They have taken 10 points from their last four outings to go four points off the summit – although Shels and the Candystripes both have a game in hand.
Still, a first win over an in-form Saints this season would heap even more pressure on the leaders as the finish line approaches.
Having been a key part of their four-in-a-row success, Hoops skipper Roberto Lopes is well aware that in this crunch period, there is no margin for error.
“You’re at that stage of the season where there’s not really much room for error. All you can do is focus on your games,” said Lopes, ahead of the Tallaght clash (7.45).
“St Pat’s have been in great form since their own European campaign so we know it’ll be a difficult game. They’re probably one of the in-form teams, so we need to look after ourselves.
“It’s a busy run-in but it’s one you want. Around this time of the season you want to be in the hat for a few competitions and thankfully we are, with the league being tight and then the first Conference League next Thursday.
“I don’t really think about the other teams too much. We’ve been here before, we know what it takes to get it over the line. We know we probably have to win all our games which is difficult enough in this league, but look, the fact we’re in the hunt, it gives us something to strive for.”
That target begins as the Saints come to Dublin 24 in fine form, with four wins and a draw in their last five league games putting Kenny’s men right back in the conversation for a fourth-placed finish and possible European qualification.
Having been used to being chased in recent years, Rovers now find themselves as the chasers, but the target remains the same.
“It doesn’t change, the most important thing is the finish line and where you are at the end of it. That’s just the mentality you have to have, one game at a time,” said Lopes. “We always say you can’t win the league in March, April or May. It’s a long game. It’s about being in the hunt for the last six or seven games. That’s when it really looks to take shape, when the pressure is on. It’s about how calm you can be in those moments.”
While the 32-year-old’s full focus is on club matters, his attention will soon switch back to international duty as the 32-times capped Cape Verde defender faces a pair of AFCON qualification double-headers in October and November – the final clash against Mo Salah’s Egypt.
“Jesus, it’s a packed international schedule. I feel like going on strike with the rest of the lads in the Premier League,” he jokes. “That will complete the AFCON qualifiers, which is a bit mad because we only played the AFCON last January, then it’s straight back into World Cup qualifiers next year.”
Coming in off the back of Monday’s derby win over Bohemians, Hoops boss Bradley expects St Pat’s to offer a different challenge.
“They are probably the in-form team in the country along with ourselves. You look at their team, their top five are all good players who can hurt anyone. I’d imagine they will come to try and win the game,” added Bradley.
“We’re in form and in a good place right now. We need to stay focused. Whatever happens with the others [Shels and Derry] happens, but I know where we are. Stephen [Kenny] is starting to pivot St Pat’s towards what Dundalk were, in terms of how they play. I’d imagine next season they will be a real force.”
