Bradley admits he will rest players with eye on Europa

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has admitted he will make changes to his starting line-up against Ludogorets on Tuesday night with a view to avoiding suspensions for a likely Europa League third round clash.

The Hoops were beaten 3-0 by the Bulgarian champions in the Champions League qualifying second round first leg last week in a game in which they were much second-best for the opening 45 minutes.

An improved showing followed, until a preventable injury-time concession consolidated the win for the home side.

The loser of the tie will face Croatian outfit Dinamo Zagreb, or more likely, Shkupi of North Macedonia, in the second tier competition next week.

Group stage qualification for the Conference League, a Europa League play-off will be on the line next week - a stage which has been the target of the club since the start of the season.

Asked if that game next week will be in the back of his mind for the second leg on Tuesday, Bradley told RTÉ Sport: "It'll definitely come into our thoughts when picking the team.

"We have players on bookings obviously and one or two with knocks. Obviously we want to try and go to win the game but we've got to think of Friday (the beginning of the FAI Cup) and next Thursday."

The Hoops must plan without Roberto Lopes and Jack Byrne for the game this week.

Lopes, the Cape Verde international, picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw against Drogheda United at the weekend and will undergo a scan on his knee, which could also rule him out for next week and longer depending on the outcome.

Republic of Ireland international Jack Byrne is also out as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

Byrne has been struggling with injuries this campaign, although Bradley is confident will be able to come