Stephen Bradley expects Pat's and Derry to pose biggest threat to Shamrock Rovers' three-in-a-row tilt

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has identified St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City as the main challengers to his side's ambition of securing a third consecutive SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title this year.

The Hoops boss is expecting the title chase to prove more competitive this season as his side looks to build on their back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021.

Rovers had 16 points to spare at the top of the table by the end of the 2021 campaign, however, the Dublin club were pushed hard by St Pat's and Sligo Rovers for the first half of the season. And Bradley expects more of the same this year.

"We did okay last year but we want to try and improve this year and obviously that includes winning the league," Bradley told RTÉ Sport at today's launch of the 2022 season, which kicks off next week.

"I think Pat's (second last year) will obviously be there. Derry (fourth) have invested heavily and I’m sure they’ll expect to win or challenge for the league.

"You’ll always get a couple more that will be there, so it’s going to be a really competitive group."

Bradley revealed that new signing Andy Lyons "has been excellent and really settled in quickly" but would miss Friday's President’s Cup clash with St Pat’s after picking up a knock.

On that meeting with the FAI Cup winners, Bradley said: "It just gives you a really good indication after pre-season of where you are.

"It’s a really good game before the season and it’s one we try to win. If there’s a trophy up for grabs we try and win it."

Rovers have focused a lot of resources on their academy in recent years and Bradley believes that policy is starting to bear fruit, revealing the long-term aim is a team composed mostly of players developed in-house.

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