Gent game a 'huge opportunity' for Shamrock Rovers after sealing league title

A couple of weeks ago, Sunday's upcoming SSE Airtricity League clash between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City had the air of a potential title decider.

But the Candystripes' momentum was halted by both Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers in the span of four days over the long weekend with consecutive draws meaning they cannot catch the Hoops at the top and the league title will stay at Tallaght Stadium for a third season in a row.

While Derry still have a chance of silverware in the FAI Cup final on 13 November, Shamrock Rovers still have another objective beyond celebrating title number 20.

Their final home fixture of the Europa Conference League group stage campaign takes place tonight as Belgian side KAA Gent make the trip over. The three games in Tallaght were always likely to be the best source for points.

Thus far, Stephen Bradley's side have collected one point from a possible 12, the home draw against Djurgardens on the opening matchweek.

Since then, they have lost 3-0 at Gent and suffered back-to-back defeats against Molde, with the Shamrock Rovers manager having rotated his squad for those games given they still had to keep one eye firmly fixed on league commitments at the time.

But with the title in the bag, former UCD, Sheffield Wednesday and Hoops midfielder Paul Corry believes tonight is a chance for Bradley to name his strongest side and go all out in search of the club's first ever win in a European group stage.

"I'd be surprised if he went and made any changes based on the team on Friday night," he said on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast of Bradley's selection for last Friday's 4-1 win over St Patrick's Athletic.

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