Ricketts impressed with Rubin Kazan
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Shamrock Rovers new boy Rohan Ricketts admitted Russian side Rubin Kazan are better than he thought they would be following Thursday's 3-0 defeat.
Rickett's was full of praise for Kurban Berdyev's side and in particular Ecuadorian international Christian Noboa, who scored the Russian side's second goal.
Ricketts said: “They were better than I thought they would be. They were very comfortable on the ball and I don't think they really rushed into anything. In possession is where they really killed us.
“I think we gave a good showing and I really believed we could get a result tonight but the first goal killed us – we hadn't even touched the ball by that point.”
Having only joined the Hoops at the end of August the 28-year-old hasn't had much time to settle in with games coming thick and fast, but he's hoping the Europa League won't affect Rovers domestic charge.
“Hopefully it (the Europa League) won't be a distraction. I hope we can go to Sligo and win which would save us a replay,” he declared.
Ricketts hasn't had a pre-season behind him and admits he could only train for one day before making his debut away to Dundalk – a game in which he was involved in both of Rovers goals in a 2-1 win.
“I'm not as fit – I've come into a team and not had a full pre-season. I can be fitter. Any time I can get a spare session I try and get in a running session. I'm getting fitter and I’m getting sharper though,” he added.
Rickett's was full of praise for Kurban Berdyev's side and in particular Ecuadorian international Christian Noboa, who scored the Russian side's second goal.
Ricketts said: “They were better than I thought they would be. They were very comfortable on the ball and I don't think they really rushed into anything. In possession is where they really killed us.
“I think we gave a good showing and I really believed we could get a result tonight but the first goal killed us – we hadn't even touched the ball by that point.”
Having only joined the Hoops at the end of August the 28-year-old hasn't had much time to settle in with games coming thick and fast, but he's hoping the Europa League won't affect Rovers domestic charge.
“Hopefully it (the Europa League) won't be a distraction. I hope we can go to Sligo and win which would save us a replay,” he declared.
Ricketts hasn't had a pre-season behind him and admits he could only train for one day before making his debut away to Dundalk – a game in which he was involved in both of Rovers goals in a 2-1 win.
“I'm not as fit – I've come into a team and not had a full pre-season. I can be fitter. Any time I can get a spare session I try and get in a running session. I'm getting fitter and I’m getting sharper though,” he added.
About Frankie Lally
Frankie Lally writes for a number of publications. You can contact Frankie on Twitter at @FrankieLally
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