Hello and welcome to Tallaght Stadium, where Shamrock Rovers' European campaign continues in history-making fashion as part of UEFA's new Conference League 'league' phase format. The Hoops have a massive Premier Division clash with wobbling table-toppers Shelbourne to come on Sunday on the same pitch, but tonight all that matters is the possibility of picking up points - and making more money - in European competition. Cypriot visitors APOEL are the first of seven opponents that Rovers will face between now and December, with the aim of making a play-off in January certainly a realistic one despite having to go to Chelsea and Rapid Vienna at the tail end of the campaign.
APOEL rank among the sides that Rovers can target to win points off. Instead of competing against three other teams for the top two positions, as was the case in the old 'group phase' format, the top 24 teams out of 36 will progress to the knockout stages in the new year. That gives teams such as the League of Ireland champions a real chance, with games against Northern Irish (Larne) and Welsh (The New Saints) to come.
“It does just make you go and attack every game," said Hoops boss Stephen Bradley. “You have the licence to do that if you have the league format because no one knows for sure how many points it’s going to take to get a play-off or to qualify. “I really like the format.
..the way it has opened up now, it’s showing clubs what they need to do to take that next step and push on.
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