Preview: European exploits should prove vital as Shamrock Rovers aim to advance

Shamrock Rovers are in prime position to secure safe passage to the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League as they welcome Molde to Tallaght Stadium tonight.

Stephen Bradley's side secured a vital 1-0 away win in Norway last week and they will be looking to finish the job in their home stadium.

Michael Noonan made Hooped history last Thursday, the 16-year-old grabbing the winning goal at the Aker Stadion, as Rovers kicked off the 2025 season in style.

However, they were brought back down to earth with a bang on Sunday as Bohemians beat them 1-0 in the league opener at Aviva Stadium.

The clash with their arch Dublin rivals could easily be placed in the unwanted-distraction folder, falling between two important European games, however, there were serious causes for concern, in terms of both the performance on the pitch and the accompanying injury count, which stacked up further during the derby clash.

Already missing key players like Jack Byrne, Rory Gaffney, Trevor Clarke and Darragh Nugent, Rovers lost two more in the first half, with Adam Matthews and Gary O’Neill going off injured.

Danny Mandroiu and Dan Cleary both went off in the second half, although the latter was most likely tactical as Rovers chased the game with the defender already on a yellow card.

Either way, Cleary is ruled out of tonight's game through suspension, while midfield play-maker Dylan Watts is also serving a ban.

The manager's injury update on the eve of the game showed the severity of the task in hand, with the only good news really that O'Neill has been passed fit to play.

"We're down a few alright with the suspensions and injuries," said Bradley. "Danny Mandroiu and Adam Matthews are out but Gary O'Neill should be ok.

"Jack Byrne is probably now about a