APOEL test not insurmountable for experienced Hoops

If Shamrock Rovers needed a timely reminder of the task at hand for tonight's UEFA Conference League clash against APOEL Nicosia, it came in the guise of a home humiliation on Friday night.

The crushing 3-0 defeat to St Patrick's Athletic at Tallaght Stadium should have all but ended Rovers’ hopes of landing a historic fifth league title in a row, however, results elsewhere dictate that they can still compete on two fronts going into the business end of the season.

Stephen Bradley - who has been handed a one-match suspension for "disparaging comments" in the aftermath of their 1-1 draw with Derry City last month after comments about referee Damien MacGraith - and his side have a chance to close the gap at the top of the table to two points should they defeat Shelbourne on Sunday, but first, the Hoops return to the European stage to take on the champions of Cyprus in the league phase of the revamped Conference competition.

They'll do so boosted by positive fitness news on Josh Honohan, who is available after being forced off in the early stages of that loss to St Pat's.

The third tier of the elite European leagues, perhaps, yet for any League of Ireland club, this six-game stretch really is the ultimate aspiration, to get to extend the season into December with a great chance to add to the already banked UEFA funds after landing at this desired destination.

The group stages have morphed into the league phase, and if anything, it has helped the cause of the lower-ranked sides hoping to enjoy a modicum of success in the competition.

Rovers, in particular, have benefitted from a strong coefficient in this year’s draw, which actually allows them to dream of making it through to the knockout stages of the reworked system.

Six games