How Justin Ferizaj has propelled himself onto the big stage for Shamrock Rovers - Graham Gartland

Shamrock Rovers have had their fair share of big nights in Europe over the years but last Thursday's Europa Conference League group opener against Djurgardens was right up there.

The Hoops are back in a continental group stage for just the second time in their history - and fourth overall for any League of Ireland club thanks to Dundalk's contribution - and Stephen Bradley's side made a solid start to the campaign with a 0-0 draw at Tallaght Stadium against the Swedish title challengers.

Normally, it's a stage for more experienced players but Bradley pulled off a surprise when he named 17-year-old Justin Ferizaj in the starting 11.

The Ireland Under-19 midfielder had made several cameos in all competitions this season before being thrust into the deep end of a major European game.

But the youngster did not disappoint and his potential is exciting as former Drogheda United, Longford Town and Shamrock Rovers defender Graham Gartland outlined on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast as he and Ollie Cahill looked ahead to Thursday's second group game in Belgium against KAA Gent.

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Gartland, who coaches Rovers' Under-14s, explained how the young midfielder has developed his game and his capacity for further progression.

"I think he's broken into the team through his hard work and his technical ability to take the ball in tight spaces," he said.

"Where I've seen the improvement in Justin from when he was younger was he dribbled a lot when he was younger.

"He would dribble a lot with the ball, go through gaps and