Alan O'Neill hopeful for Hoops

Shamrock Rovers legend Alan O’Neill is as excited as the next fan ahead of Thursday night’s massive tie against Juventus in the Europa League third round qualifier. O’Neill, who played in Europe in his playing days with both Rovers and Dundalk, is keen to stress just how important it is that the Tallaght based club could get this far.

“It is absolutely magnificent for Shamrock Rovers. I was there the night they were relegated to the First Division four or five years back. Since then, to have gotten back up, gotten a new stadium in Tallaght, challenged for the title last year and now pushed on to get this draw in Europe. It’s just fantastic,” he said when speaking exclusively to extratime.

O’Neill was quick to stress a key figure in their recent success, culminating in the 2-1 aggregate victory over Israeli side Bnei Yehuda – winning 1-0 away from home in the second leg: “Since they got Michael O’Neill on board they have improved incredibly.”

“People should remember just how much of an achievement it was to win in Israel against Bnei Yehuda. There was a big incentive for them obviously, but to get the win is something else. The Israeli league is a good standard and to have won there and been rewarded with a Juventus tie, it is testament to those involved in the club.”

Speaking on Rovers’ chances on Thursday, O’Neill – who himself played in Europe against the likes of Ajax and Red Star Belgrade – was optimistic that an upset was possible, but admitted that Juventus were far better than any side this team has faced.

“Anything is possible during the game. The one great thing about Irish teams competing in Europe at this time of year is fitness. Irish players are at their fittest mid-season while most European sides are just doing pre-season and there could always be an element of rustiness with regards their play."

“But Rovers won’t want to give away the ball too often because, obviously, Juventus are a talented side who are a class above anything Rovers have faced.

“But, after the first leg [against Bnei Yehuda] you kind of thought it looked difficult – they had conceded at home and needed to get a good result. But they did it.”

Shamrock Rovers’ belated move to Tallaght last year came after fifteen years of planning and hoping – years which saw The Hoops find a home in Tolka Park, Dalymount Park, RDS, Morton Stadium and Richmond Park.

“When I left Rovers they were talking about a move to Tallaght – and that was the mid-nineties. So it’s some achievement to have actually done it.

“The loyal supporters, the likes of the 400 Club, who stayed with the club during the last few years deserve a lot of credit - and all those involved behind the scenes who have invested time and money do to,” he said.

"I heard about all the fans getting together to watch the Bnei Yehuda away leg in a hotel in Dublin and the scenes there looked great," he said.