Stephen Bradley hails 'future captain' Dylan Watts as Hoops prepare for European step-up against Ferencvaros

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley believes that midfielder Dylan Watts is one of the few players in the League of Ireland that can change the tempo of a game, an attribute that no doubt will be needed as the Hoops face Ferencvaros in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round this evening.

The Premier Division champions are in Budapest for the opening instalment of a tie that would see them earn in excess of €4million from their European journey so far if they advance after next week's return leg at Tallaght Stadium.

Football in the group stages of the Europa Conference League and the bounty of €3.3m is already assured, however, should Bradley's side exit the second-tier competition.

The Hoops boss will have to plan without six key players for the game in the Hungarian capital - Graham Burke, Chris McCann (both calf injuries), Roberto Lopes (long-term injury absentee), Ronan Finn (suspended) Simon Power (knock) and Aidomo Emakhu (illness) - are all absentees.

Emakhu and Andy Lyons have both attracted the interest of Championship clubs, but Bradley was keen to stress that the duo will not be leaving before the end of the transfer window. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he said: "We're in control of that situation. There is never any panic or rush with any of the bids we've had for our players. We've done really well in the selling of players over the last few years and that will be the over the next few years.

"In the case of Andy, it was an easy conversation with him and his agent. We're never in any rush; we're in control of the situation."

Assessing the opposition to come, Bradley was in doubt as to Ferencvaros' status, but is confident that Rovers' recent European journeys can stand to them.

"The