'Tough games, but we're well up for it' - Shamrock Rovers defender Dan Cleary looks forward to group stages

Dan Cleary is looking forward to clashing with some quality European teams in the coming weeks butthe Shamrock Rovers defender is well aware of the dangers that come with such high-profile encounters.

Rovers open their Europa Conference League group stages at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow night against Swedish side Djurgardens, and while Cleary expects the team to be competitive in all six games, he knows that a lapse of concentration can prove costly against European opposition.

Further games follow for Rovers against Belgian side Gent and Norway's league leaders, Molde, a side that Cleary came up against in the Europa League group stages while playing for Dundalk in 2020.

"Every time you’re in a group stage competition it’s going to be top quality you’re playing against. You look forward to the challenge. We will get tough games, but we’re well up for it," said Cleary, speaking at the pre-match press conference.

"It’s the best football in Europe, group stage in Europe in any competition is going to be difficult.

"Look at the teams that are involved in the competition. Mentally you need to be switched on and the second you switch off, if the team takes a ten-minute rest the game could be over.

"When you're on top you have to punish them and if you don't take your chances, they will hurt you," added Cleary, when asked what he had learned from that campaign with Dundalk where the Lilywhites lost all six games in their group.

"It just takes a split second of a lack of concentration and the ball is in the back of your net. It's the top tier and your concentration has to be 99% per cent."

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, Cleary said that the research had been extensive and that Rovers are well prepared for whatever the Swedish outfit