Tickets remain on sale for Sunday evening’s match in Tallaght Stadium. Stephen Bradley spoke to shamrockrovers.ie ahead of the tie.

We’ll obviously start with the UEFA Conference League game v APOEL. Given the circumstances with the early second half Neil Farrugia sending off, going 1-0 down and losing Gary O’Neill to injury, a point in our first game is a very satisfactory start.

“Yes, it is. When you consider everything you said there, the plan was working really well in terms of our discipline, we weren’t giving up anything and then the plan was always at some stage of the second half to really go for APOEL and use our bench. Then we had Neil’s sending off which changes the plan. But I thought the players adapted really well, were nice and calm and in the end, against a good team, it’s a point, we’re up and running and we’re happy with that.”

These players, as you said afterwards, used much of their European experience to hold their nerve to rescue a point. They’re also human, did the opposite kind of nerves get to them a bit in the opening fifteen minutes?

“Yes, I think so. Not so much in the defensive stuff, but more so when we had possession. We were a little bit tentative at times in those transition moments. That’s more of a feeling out process, you’re playing at a good level, you know you’re up against teams that can really hurt you. That brings a little bit of tension. We were a little bit nervy, but after the game settled down, especially second half, we definitely settled down. But the first 10-15 minutes there were moments where our decision-making was a bit edgy.”

Despite being a man down following Neil Farrugia’s dismissal, we refused to concede defeat, and you said after the game you could hear the players constantly encouraging each other that we’d make a chance and most importantly, take it and gain the important point we got. That’s a very powerful asset in a team.

“Yes, it is. I think credit must go to Mary Larkin (club psychologist) for that and it’s something we’ve worked on for quite some time. People can say it and just use it as a throwaway, but to actually believe it is a different thing. When you believe it, it can be powerful. The players have worked quite a lot as individuals, so it was really pleasing to see that growth, that belief in each other, that togetherness. Yes, we’re a man and a goal down, but if we stay nice and calm, we’ll score here. And they did.”

To Sunday, and Shelbourne at home with another massive three points at stake. Everybody in the group must be chomping at the bit to be involved given the importance of it, not to mention the fans who again in a big European night against APOEL, stayed behind the team.

“It’s a big game. It’s one that we are looking to win and need to win. It’s a game we’re looking forward to, a game you want to be involved in. All the players are ready and looking forward to it and I’m sure our fans will be again. I said it on Thursday night, the fans were brilliant for us. I’m sure they’ll show up in their numbers for us tomorrow because we will need it. We need their energy and everyone together to go and win the game.”

Shelbourne have found wins elusive recently. This again shows the incredible competitive nature is this season’s title race, are you expecting Shelbourne to try and come to win the game?

“Yes of course. I’m sure they’ll come with a game plan to take us on and win the game. We have to be ready for that and respect that, as we do with every opposition. We’ll see what they bring, work out how to stop that and then impose ourselves on them as soon as possible and use everything we can to win the game.”

You’re up in the stand this weekend due to suspension. While it’s important for you to be there with your staff during a game, is your presence noticeably missed once the players get playing when the whistle blows?

“I don’t think the players listen to me when they’re on the pitch to be honest! They’re in the zone, they’re on the pitch, they know what they’re doing when they cross the white line. They’ll be fine and Stephen McPhail, Glenn Cronin and the staff will be fine, I’ve no doubt about that. I’m disappointed obviously to be suspended but the group and staff are in a good place, there’s no issue there.”

Gary O’Neill limped off against APOEL. How is he and did everyone else emerge ok after that game and are Trevor Clarke and Rory Gaffney any nearer a return?

“Trevor and Rory will still miss the next two to three weeks. Gary is fine, he saw the doctor yesterday and it’s all good. Graham Burke is back, he missed the APOEL game as his girlfriend had a baby daughter on Thursday night. We’re all delighted for Graham and Tammy, their family and everyone is safe which is great. Markus Poom picked up a knock against APOEL, so we need to have a look at that, especially as he’ll be going away on international duty with Estonia. Other than that, we’re all good.”