Rovers look to stay positive for Molde test in Norway

Shamrock Rovers travel to Norway for round three of their Europa Conference League group stage to face Molde at the Aker Stadium, kick-off 5:45pm.

The Hoops will be looking for a positive result against the Norwegian league leaders as they attempt to remain in contention to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition.

A hard-fought scoreless draw in their opener against Djurgardens at Tallaght Stadium, Rovers then found themselves with a mountain to climb in their second outing away at Belgian side Gent, as Stephen Bradley's side conceded two early goals at the Ghelamco Arena.

A valiant attempt at times to play their way back into that encounter, however, the slow start once again proved Rovers Achilles Heel and the Dublin club eventually conceded once more with the tie finishing 3-0 to Gent.

Early encounters would suggest that Rovers are, perhaps, just that one step behind the group’s other sides and while qualification remains a possibility, it is probably looking less likely approaching the half-way point of the group stages.

Confidence and belief, however, are not lacking in this Rovers team, who are the current back-to-back League of Ireland champions, and they will take heart from many aspects of this year’s extended European adventure heading into tonight’s fjord-side fixture.

However, a complete performance is needed in Norway for Bradley’s side to move into the upcoming home matches in the reverse fixture with Molde and their Belgian conquerors, and the manager will point to the home team’s European form to suggest that there is something to play for tonight.

Like Rovers, the Norwegian outfit have just one point from their opening two games, and while they earned a credible draw at home to Gent, they were