Bradley Praises Gaffney as Shamrock’s Unplayable Euro Star
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley believes his side are still improving after Rory Gaffney inspired a 4-0 comeback victory against Ballkani to send the Hoops into the Conference League play-offs. Bradley Praises Gaffney as Shamrock’s Unplayable Euro Star, pointing to the striker’s determination and class as the key factor in overturning the first-leg deficit and setting up a high-profile tie with Portuguese side Santa Clara.
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Gaffney Leads the Comeback
Rovers entered Thursday’s match trailing from the away leg in Kosovo but the 35-year-old striker took centre stage at Tallaght Stadium. His first goal arrived shortly before the interval and gave his side the momentum they needed. The second, a brilliant back-heel just after the restart, left the visitors stunned and shifted the tie firmly in Rovers’ favour. From then on, they dominated possession and created waves of attacks as Ballkani struggled to stay in the contest.
Bradley Full of Praise
After the game, Bradley said the performance was “outstanding” and highlighted Gaffney’s influence both on and off the ball. The manager explained that the striker had received contract offers from elsewhere but chose to stay and prove himself after a difficult injury period last season. He described Gaffney as “unplayable” and praised how well the club has managed his minutes. Bradley also pointed out how calm the team remained once they had taken control, saying they felt “in the driving seat” as soon as Gaffney’s first goal went in.
Honohan and the Supporting Cast
Bradley also reserved special praise for Josh Honohan, who added a stunning volley in the second half to put the tie beyond doubt. The manager felt Honohan was outstanding across both legs and stated that his consistency shows he has the potential to play at the very top level. Gaffney himself admitted after the game that he had been thinking about retirement before his ankle surgery, but said the operation gave him a second chance and he is happy to play an hour if it means helping the team and allowing the fresh legs on the bench to finish the job.
Looking Ahead to Santa Clara
Rovers now face Santa Clara in the final qualifying round. The Portuguese side, who feature an impressive total of 17 Brazilian players, will be a significant step up in quality. Bradley knows the importance of staying competitive in the first leg, which will be played away from home. He stressed that taking the tie back to Tallaght “alive” is essential, reminding supporters of how special European nights can be in Dublin when the team has something to fight for. With Gaffney in such form and the squad full of confidence, Rovers believe they are capable of competing with anyone when the second leg comes around.
