'I definitely caught him' - Rory Gaffney on kick out

Shamrock Rovers player of the match Rory Gaffney admitted he was fortunate to remain on the pitch during the Champions League qualifier win over Hibernians after a stray boot made contact with an opponent's head.

The Galway native was instrumental in the League of Ireland side taking one step towards the second qualifying round, setting up both first-half goals before getting on the scoresheet himself in a 3-0 win over Hibernians of Malta.

Gaffney, however, could easily have been dismissed before the crucial third goal when he appeared to kick out at defender Gabriel Artiles after being manhandled to the ground.

Speaking after the match, RTÉ analyst Stuey Byrne said the Rovers player was "very lucky" to escape red.

"I think what the referee has made a decision on here is that he was provoked into doing it, but my God, is he lucky to get away with that. I don’t know many other referees that would allow you to raise your foot like that."

Rory Gaffney escaped with a booking after lashing out at Hibernians' Gabriel Izquier. Shamrock Rovers still leading 2-0#RTESoccer #UCL @RTE2 @RTEplayer