Stephen Bradley: Shamrock Rovers squad can deal with fixture pile-up

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley feels that his squad are still well equipped to deal with their heavy workload despite recording just one win from six in their September fixtures to date.

A 5-1 league win over Finn Harps has been accompanied by an FAI Cup exit at the hands of Derry City, a Europa Conference League defeat to Genk and a draw with Djurgardens and a league loss to Bohemians.

The last on the list was Thursday's goalless draw with Shelbourne at Tolka Park where the visitors failed to create too many golden opportunities, but Bradley feels that they can still handle their hectic schedule.

"On Sunday we played 60 minutes [v Derry] and then extra-time with 10 minutes and the fitness levels are fine," Bradley said afterwards.

"The squad is getting there...Richie [Towell] is back tonight, so we’re getting there in terms of injuries and the squad is getting strong, which is important at this point of the season."

"You have to recover right, review the games and move onto the next game very quickly and get ready," he added with how they’re dealing with the issue.

"That’s been our schedule for quite some time now, not much actual training getting done, more tactical and video and getting ready for the next game."

The recent dip in results has opened the door to Derry City to put real pressure on Rovers at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division table.

The Candystripers are just two points off the summit albeit having played a game more.

Bradley had no argument with the latest result though, and felt that they hadn’t done enough to warrant all three points at Tolka Park.

"It probably was a nil-nil, I know Dan [Cleary] hit the crossbar but it’s from all of 30 yards.

"We didn’t create too many clear-cut [chances], either