‘We know that we are capable, particularly here in Tallaght, of causing an upset’ – Michael O’Neill.

Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill was in confident spirits ahead of his side’s Europa League tie with European giants Juventus.

Rovers go into Thursday night’s game as massive underdogs with few giving them a chance of taking anything from the old lady of Italian football.

Speaking at a press conference in Tallaght stadium on Wednesday afternoon, the Rovers boss looked relaxed as he answered questions for the large number of media gathered.

“This is a game as a club, a group of players and as a manager, that we can really only benefit from and enhance our reputations individually and collectively as a team.” remarked O’Neill.

“The expectation level for ourselves is not there. There was maybe a certain level of expectation that existed in the Yehuda game but now obviously with Juventus coming to Tallaght, in many ways the pressure is off and we can enjoy the occasion but we understand that it’s important we give a good account of ourselves and we now that we are capable, particularly here in Tallaght, of causing an upset.”

When asked about any injury concerns heading into to the game, O’Neill had this to say: “Obviously the two longer-term injuries that we’ve had with Pat Sullivan and Dessie Baker are the two players who are unavailable but everyone else is fit and obviously very keen to be involved and very keen to play.”

Rovers will no doubt have their work cut-out as they face Alessandro Del Piero and co on Thursday night and O’Neill knows that keeping the game alive for as long as possible will be important. “That is the key. I think that the longer the game stays, whether it’s 0-0 or whatever the score line may be, the tie is very much alive and at some point obviously we know that to go through, we’re going to have to score.”

“Our best chance of doing that is probably here in Tallaght so we’ll have to approach the game in a cautious manner because of the quality that exists in Juventus squad. But equally we’re in a position where we know at some point in the game that we’ll have to try and force the game ourselves.”