While the outcome is still far from certain, we already know that Ireland will be facing off against the Czech Republic in a semi-final match. When we then consider that this competition is set to take place in March, it is clear that time is of the essence. However, one crucial question remains.

Which player should spearhead Ireland? There has been a significant amount of debate over this quandary in recent times, and most analysts have narrowed their options down to three key personalities. Let’s see what each may be able to bring to the table.

Troy Parrott

Many football betting enthusiasts already have their money placed on Parrott, and this is no mistake. The vast majority of analysts feel that Troy Parrot is the best striker on the team. He seems to have cemented this status thanks to a last-minute goal against Hungary (this goal also allowed Ireland to secure Ireland’s playoff spot). It is also important to remember that Parrott has walked away with ten goals out of his eight total appearances during the 2025-26 season.

Another interesting observation is associated with the versatility that Parrott has displayed (especially during the current season). While he is indeed favoured to remain a striker, he may also be capable of filling other gaps when required. This provides management with a tactical edge, and may catch the Czech Republic by surprise if push comes to shove.

Parrott is likewise known for a host of relevant strengths when it comes to offensive prowess. He has become famous for his quick transitions, he enjoys exploiting turnovers, and Parrott has the innate ability to work together with his other teammates; a trait that not all top-tier strikers possess. These are some of the reasons why Parrott could very well be given the opportunity to lead Ireland.

Adam Idah

Adam Idah is another strong contender who has displayed solid skills throughout the season. Idah had already proved his prowess on the pitch when playing for Celtic, and he has likewise shown significant improvement during the past few months (most likely due to increased confidence, and a growing familiarity with Ireland’s playing style). It is rumoured that managers are thinking about placing Idah in a two-striker formation; perhaps to bolster the skills of teammates Ferguson and Parrott. Although nothing is yet certain, there is little doubt that Hallgrímsson is carefully weighing such an option.

Evan Ferguson

Evan Ferguson is a final player that should not be counted out. One of the main advantages of opting for Ferguson is the simple fact that he already possesses a fair amount of experience leading the line. This could prove to be a crucial asset when the pressure begins to mount (which it surely will). Furthermore, Ferguson is no stranger to pulling through when the going gets tough. This was already demonstrated when playing against Hungary, and Armenia.

The only possible issue with Ferguson is that his relatively young career has been plagued with injuries. As a result, he has not enjoyed the amount of time on the pitch that most would have preferred. Having said this, Ferguson still might possess the raw talent (especially at a relatively young age) to overcome these hurdles, and to perform at his peak with needed.

A Combined Effort?

So, which player might eventually be tagged to lead Ireland into the playoffs against the Czech Republic? As stated earlier in this article, Troy Parrott seems likely to receive the nod; at least for now. Having said this, there is another option to keep in mind.

Management could very well decide to use each of these talents in synergy with one another. It would not be out of the question to witness the strengths of each striker to create a virtually impermeable offensive line. This boils down to the tactical approach that will be adopted on the day of the match (currently scheduled for 26 March). We also have to imagine that the performance of each player will be carefully scrutinised between now and then.

An additional variable should also be highlighted here. The last time that the Republic of Ireland played in a World Cup was as far back as 2022. There are two ways to view this scenario. Some could claim that a lack of experience will immediately place them at a disadvantage when competing against more seasoned opponents. Others will quickly state that the sheer motivation derived from such an opportunity in 2026 will result in a more cohesive team, and one willing to give it their all if (and when) it comes down to the wire.

Either way, there is little doubt that those who are able to access the latest Epicbet sports betting odds and fixtures will be keeping a close eye on any late-breaking news that happens to emerge as the date draws closer. We need to remember that the efforts of a single player could very well decide the outcome of any match; a particularly relevant observation when we consider what is at stake. It will be interesting to see what decisions are made, and how these will affect Ireland during such an important moment.

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Northern Ireland didn’t have a clean qualifying campaign. They didn’t build momentum or fall apart. It was something messier, the kind of run where every match felt like it could tilt either way. Analysts didn’t know what to make of them. Even betting traders on bet Malawi couldn’t get a consistent feel for this team because their matches never followed the expected rhythm.

A Group Where Nothing Came Easy

Germany, Slovakia, Luxembourg.
 On paper, it looked predictable.
 In reality, Northern Ireland kept making the group awkward.

The start was steady with the 3–1 win in Luxembourg which is one of those results where early models barely react because it’s “supposed” to happen. Then Germany beat them 3–1 in Cologne, but the match wasn’t the blowout people expected. Germany had to work. Northern Ireland didn’t fold. You could actually see live projections settle again after the early wobble because the match stayed structured rather than chaotic.

And then came the night that confused almost everyone:
 2–0 over Slovakia in Belfast.
 Slovakia arrived as favourites in most pre-match predictions, but Northern Ireland played like the stronger side. The early own goal didn’t flatten Slovakia as Northern Ireland did. Anyone watching the live numbers saw the shift. The pause. The recalculation. For once, Northern Ireland looked not like spoilers, but like the team setting the terms.

The Type of Matches That Leave No Middle Ground

Northern Ireland’s problem is that they don’t close the door when they should.
 The Slovakia game in Košice was the perfect example.

They defended for almost the entire match. They were seconds from a result that would’ve changed the whole trajectory of the group. And then a 91st-minute goal. One moment that changed everything: the table, the mood, the in-game models, the sense of momentum. Ballard’s red card after that made it feel even heavier.

But Northern Ireland being Northern Ireland, they pushed that aside and beat Luxembourg 1–0 three days later. Slow match, one big moment, done. A match that looks boring to some fans but weirdly predictable to anyone who has followed this team for years.

They Get In Through the Side Door

Finishing third normally ends the story.
 But the Nations League ranking system threw them a lifeline. Results elsewhere fell into place, and Northern Ireland slipped into the play-offs without winning anything that night. A strange mix: the bitterness of the loss in Slovakia and the quiet confirmation that they were still alive.

Why They’re a Nightmare to Forecast

Northern Ireland confuse every type of observer because they don’t behave like a “normal” team. They rarely collapse.
 Only six goals conceded in the entire group. Against Germany twice. That stability makes their matches low-event, and low-event matches are always hard to read.

They don’t score much.
 Seven goals total. That means their games almost always land in tight scorelines, where one mistake or one set piece wipes out whatever was expected.

Home games bend the mood.
 Windsor Park didn’t just lift the team against Slovakia, it changed the tone of the match. You could actually feel the difference through the screen.

Northern Ireland matches often sit in that zone bettors call “knife-edge football” and its not chaos, not control, just constantly waiting for one moment.

Their Real Chances? Hard to Pin Down

Northern Ireland won’t go into the play-offs as favourites.
 They’ll be labelled “awkward,” “stubborn,” “defensive,” the usual things people say when they don’t know how to categorise a team.

But there’s something about knockout football that fits them.
 A slow match.
 A quiet first half.
 One header.
 One loose ball in the box.
 One set piece.

They’re not built to dominate.
 They’re built to hang around longer than they should.

And when the match shrinks to one moment Northern Ireland are exactly the kind of team that can turn that moment into something bigger

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The Republic of Ireland will have to navigate a tricky away tie against old rivals Czechia in their bid to reach the World Cup finals.

If Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side can win that semi-final, they will host the winners of the other last-four clash between Denmark and North Macedonia in a home final on 31 March.

Thursday’s draw placed Ireland in the same path as Wales, Poland, Slovakia and Czechia, but it is the Czechs who await the Boys in Green on 26 March, with the semi-final set to be played away from home.

Czechia, currently ranked 44th in the world, have won four of their eight meetings with Ireland since the breakup of Czechoslovakia. The most recent competitive encounters came in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, where Ireland lost 1–0 in Prague before a 1–1 draw in Dublin.

While Ireland will be relieved to have avoided Poland, the Czechia tie presents its own complications for travelling supporters.

The Czech FA have rotated venues for their qualifiers, using stadiums in Prague, Olomouc, Hradec Králové and Plzen. Although the host venue has yet to be confirmed, Prague is almost certain to be selected.

However, the expected venue — the Fortuna Arena — has a capacity of just 19,500. With the FAI only entitled to five per cent of away allocation, that leaves Irish fans facing the reality of roughly 1,000 tickets for travelling supporters.

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Both the Irish and global sports betting landscapes are made up of major games, fixtures, and events to wager on. These huge spectacles not only bring plenty of markets to get involved with but also lots of media attention and a feeling of genuine excitement for punters.

Most people who bet on these kinds of big fixtures have a range of go-to strategies they use in advance. These systematic betting approaches help them to decide how to bet before the action starts and gain a deeper insight into what may unfold.

But what are some of the top strategies bettors use before big sporting events?

Making the most of free bets

Promotions are a common sight around Irish sports betting and bring a range of bonuses for punters to claim.

Free bets are one of the most popular and can be found at many of the best sportsbooks the country has to offer. Lottoland’s €10 free bet illustrates this point perfectly and comes with easy-to-understand terms.

Optimising these kinds of promotions for registered customers is something savvy bettors in Ireland do ahead of big games. This enables them to not only track the best promos to claim before the action starts but also employ matched betting techniques to extract maximum value from them.

Pre-fixture research and analysis

Proper research and analysis is another strategy punters around the country adopt before major fixtures. This is easier than ever to do in the modern age because there arelots of sites online with sports data to dig into.

Whether it’s a big event in Irish horse racing, football, GAA,or rugby, most bettors will spend some time before it starts deciding who to back or which markets to consider. The most common things to research include

By spending time researching stats and looking into what they suggest beforehand, punters can make a more informed choice on where to put their cash. This helps them to bet in a more logical way and avoids making bets purely on guesswork.

Tracking down best value odds

Odds are key to sports betting and can make a huge difference to how much winning bets return.

The key thing to remember is that odds for the same event can vary between sportsbooks. As a result, it’s possible to get much better value odds at one betting site than it is at others.

Punters who are looking to bet on the Irish Grand National,for example, may see the horse they like has odds of 5 at sportsbook A but 8 at sportsbook B. By placing their bet at sportsbook B, they have a higher potential return if their horse wins.

Lots of punters in Ireland therefore spend time hunting down the best value odds before big games start. This often involves placing bets well in advance of the match and before market fluctuations right before the game negatively impact odds.

Looking for the best tips online

Whilst putting in the legwork to research and find their own bets is one popular strategy with punters, some prefer to look for tips to follow online before a big game.

This can be especially useful if you fancy betting on a game in a sport you’re not overly familiar with. By getting independent tips from people who are experts in that particular sport, you can find bets to make that you might have otherwise missed.

Most savvy bettors in Ireland, though, will still research any tips picked up online themselves. This helps to confirm it’s a bet worth making and avoids blindly following what other people say.

Dutching

Dutching might sound complicated, but it’s actually a simple strategy punters use before big fixtures.

It basically involves betting on more than one selection in the same fixture or race to win. Although it’s most commonly associated with horse racing, it can be used in other sports where the odds guarantee a return if any of your selections win.

The key thing for any successful Dutching strategy is adjusting bet sizes for each selection, depending on their odds. By doing this properly, you lock in profit should any of them win. There are some easy-to-use Dutching calculators online that make this simple to do.

Top strategies for big game punters

Punters who like to bet on major sporting fixtures use a variety of strategies. The most interesting ones are shown above and highlight just how they like to approach wagering on the biggest matches, races, and events.

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While English football continues to respond to growing pressure over gambling sponsorships, the League of Ireland is forging its own path.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed a new ban on betting operators as official sponsors of the national team, but crucially, this restriction does not apply to domestic clubs. That exemption has opened a window of opportunity for League of Ireland outfits, particularly amid tightening restrictions elsewhere across Europe.

The move follows an FAI decision in June 2024 to distance the national team from gambling affiliations, citing a duty to safeguard fans and participants from the risks associated with problem gambling. Yet, despite those concerns, clubs competing in the League of Ireland remain free to forge partnerships with betting and gaming companies. The decision has prompted debate, but many stakeholders in the domestic game argue it is both pragmatic and necessary.

The clearest evidence of this intent is Shamrock Rovers, who have a deal with a casino operator as their front-of-shirt sponsor. The fact that one of Ireland’s most successful and popular clubs has gone down this path sends a clear signal that gambling partnerships remain integral to the financial health of many clubs in the league.

For the FAI, it’s a balancing act. On one hand, there’s the moral imperative to align with wider public health campaigns discouraging gambling sponsorships. On the other hand, there’s the economic reality: League of Ireland clubs operate on tight budgets and often struggle to attract high-value corporate sponsors. For them, the gambling sector offers reliable investment and brand visibility.

In this sense, Ireland’s stance differs markedly from that of the English Premier League, which agreed to phase out front-of-shirt betting partnerships. While top-flight clubs scramble to fill commercial gaps, Irish clubs now find themselves in a position of relative advantage. All of this will apply not only to sportsbook operators, by the way, but also across the entire gambling sector. However, it will likely be of particular interest to every online casinothat needs an alternative following the Premier League ruling.

From a regulatory point of view, the FAI has made it clear that its restrictions apply only to the national team and related properties. This gives clubs like Bohemians, Dundalk, and Derry City the freedom to explore sponsorship arrangements based on their own commercial needs. However, critics argue this mixed message could undermine the FAI’s broader gambling narrative.

The answer, it seems, lies in governance structure. While the FAI sets policies for the national team, League of Ireland clubs have a level of independence that enables them to act in their own interests. It’s a nuanced approach that may well benefit Irish football in the long run. It offers a blueprint for smaller leagues around Europe facing the same dilemma. As more countries reconsider the role of gambling in sport, Ireland’s two-track strategy could become common practice.

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The FAI and the Republic of Ireland: A Story of Chaos and Decline

The last two years have been nothing short of a shambles for Irish football. From boardroom resignations to disastrous performances on the pitch, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has presided over one crisis after another. The result? A game in freefall, a fanbase alienated, and players struggling to find form under the national jersey.

Managerial Instability

• Stephen Kenny was sacked in November 2023.
• John O’Shea filled in with four friendlies as caretaker, essentially auditioning for the role.
• It took seven months for the FAI to appoint Heimir Hallgrímsson as their “first-choice” manager, on a reported €650,000 salary.

Boardroom Chaos

• CEO Jonathan Hill resigned in April 2024.
• Marc Canham, the FAI’s Director of Football, stepped down in April 2025.
• The FAI launched a voluntary redundancy programme in August 2025, with compulsory job losses looming as part of restructuring.
• Debt stands at a staggering €43 million.

Controversies and Legal Battles

• RTÉ aired a documentary in July 2024 exposing the mistreatment of female players by coaches.
• Colin Healy claimed he was dismissed despite reassurances he’d stay with the WNT staff (December 2024).
• Eileen Gleeson has launched legal action against the FAI for gender discrimination (August 2025).

On the Pitch: A Shattered Identity

• The team survived in Nations League B only by beating Bulgaria home and away.
• They were humiliated by Armenia and went 2–0 down inside 15 minutes at home to Hungary with Matt Doherty bizarrely played at left-back.
• No clear structure, no defensive solidity, and a reliance on ineffective long throw-ins.
• Irish players consistently perform better for their clubs than for the national side.
• Heimir’s team has conceded first in nine of his ten competitive games.

Domestic Neglect

• League of Ireland champions still only receive €125,000.
• FAI Cup winners earn €32,000 plus gate receipts.
• Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne’s success in Europe this season has come in spite of their governing body, not because of it.
• Will Clarke’s August 2025 Academy Report revealed glaring issues with facilities and infrastructure nationwide.
• The proposed “summer soccer” plan was defeated in August 2025, leaving no clear strategy for development.
• Damien Duff, the headline act of the domestic league and one of the most respected young managers, has departed Shelbourne—an enormous blow for the LOI’s profile.

Fans Left in the Cold

• Supporters can only buy tickets in restrictive three-match bundles until shortly before games.
• Meanwhile, performances on the pitch offer little incentive to attend.

Conclusion

The FAI has failed Irish football. Between staggering debts, broken governance, failed structures, and embarrassing performances on the pitch, it is clear that the Republic of Ireland’s game is suffering at every level. With Damien Duff’s departure from Shelbourne further weakening the League of Ireland’s appeal, Irish football risks losing not only its next generation of talent but also its connection with the fans who care most. Until the association faces real reform—root and branch—the chaos will continue.

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A Summer of Surprises and Goal Frenzy

The FAI Cup 2025 has been a wild ride so far, with the knockouts now kicking into gear after a summer that’s kept fans on their toes. This 105th edition kicked off in May with 44 clubs-20 from the League of Ireland and 24 regional dreamers-delivering 135 goals in 36 matches, a tally that’s got me scribbling notes over my morning tea. I was at the pub for that August 17 thriller where Shamrock Rovers nicked a 2-1 win over Longford Town, the crowd roaring as Rory Gaffney’s late strike sealed it-pure drama! Then there were the upsets: Salthill Devon’s cheeky 1-0 poke at St Michael’s and Cork City’s 3-0 thumping of Leicester Celtic, reminding us the cup’s got a knack for turning tables. With the quarter-finals lined up for September 12-14, it’s anyone’s game, and I’m itching to see how the underdogs stack up against the big guns.

The Teams Vying for the Throne

A handful of sides have caught my eye as potential kings, each with a story that could lead them to Aviva glory.

Shamrock Rovers: The Hoops with a Habit

Shamrock Rovers, with their two titles in the last three years, are the lads to beat, and Stephen Bradley’s got them ticking like a well-oiled machine. That 2-1 scrape past Longford Town in August, with Gaffney’s last-gasp goal, showed their grit, backed by 12 wins in 18 league games this year. I watched their 4-0 demolition of Derry City earlier, munching on a sandwich, and their defense-leaking just 12 goals-looks rock-solid. They’ve got the experience to go the distance, and I’d bet my last euro on their hunger.

Derry City: The Candystripes with Fire

Derry City, still smarting from last year’s 1-2 penalty shootout loss to Drogheda United, are roaring back with Pat Hoban leading the charge. His 10 goals this season and a 3-1 FAI Cup win over Treaty United have me nodding in approval, especially after their July 20 triumph. The Brandywell’s raucous crowd could be their secret weapon, a vibe I felt during a mate’s visit up north. They’ve got the heart to challenge anyone.

St Patrick’s Athletic: The Saints with Swagger

St Patrick’s Athletic are turning heads with an 8-0 thrashing of UCC, and Jake Mulraney’s 8 assists are the talk of Dublin. With 11 wins in 19 league games, their 2-0 August 17 victory over Shelbourne showed their mettle. I remember their semi-final scrap last year, a battle of wills that nearly toppled Rovers, and that tenacity could carry them far in the knockouts.

Sligo Rovers: The Bit O’Red Underdogs

Sligo Rovers have stolen the spotlight with a 1-0 upset over Bohemians, a classic cup fairy tale. Stefan Radosavljevic’s 7 goals and 9 wins in 18 games this year have me grinning, especially after their July 20 Salthill Devon win that had the local crowd buzzing. Their scrappy style could be the surprise package, and I’m rooting for their underdog charm.

Wildcards in the Pack

• Galway United: Undefeated in August, their 4-0 rout of Salthill Devon, with Patrick Hickey’s 6 goals, marks them as dark horses.
• Cork City: A 3-0 FAI Cup win over Waterford, driven by Cian Murphy’s 9 goals, keeps them in the hunt.
• Drogheda United: Cup specialists, their 3-1 penalty win over Derry City adds a twist.

These teams bring a mix of flair and fight to the fray.

Contender Line-Up

Fixtures That Could Steal the Show

The knockout path is dotted with must-see moments. The quarter-finals on September 12-14 might see Shamrock Rovers tangle with Galway United, a clash of styles, while Derry City vs. Sligo Rovers could be a northern brawl. The semi-finals on October 3-5 could pair Rovers with St Patrick’s, with a Derry-Sligo upset adding spice. The final on November 9 at the Aviva Stadium, its 51,700 seats buzzing, will crown the king. I’m circling the Rovers-Galway tie, remembering their 2024 semi-final penalty shootout that had me holding my breath.

Tactical Edge and My Gut Feeling

Shamrock Rovers’ 4-3-3, with Gaffney’s knack for goals, could outmaneuver Galway’s 4-2-3-1 if they neutralize Hickey’s speed-a move I’ve seen Bradley pull off before. Derry’s 4-4-2, leaning on Hoban’s scoring touch, might overpower Sligo’s 4-1-4-1, especially if Radosavljevic shines, a pattern I’ve clocked in their recent form. St Patrick’s 4-3-3 hinges on Mulraney’s flair, a trick I’ve watched unravel defenses in tight spots. The knockouts often favor the seasoned, but Salthill’s earlier shock keeps hope alive for underdogs. My hunch is a Shamrock Rovers vs. Derry City final, echoing their 2023 classic, with Rovers nicking it 2-1 on a late header.

The Road to Aviva: A Tale of Heart and Hustle

The FAI Cup’s 105-year history is a treasure trove of underdog tales and dramatic finishes, setting the stage for a memorable November 9. Rovers’ recent haul-two titles in three years-gives them a mental edge, while Derry’s northern grit and Sligo’s fairy-tale run add layers of intrigue. I’ve been hooked on cup runs since 2010, and the Aviva final never disappoints-last year’s 2-1 squeaker still plays in my head. With 135 goals already, the knockouts promise more magic, a test of spirit that could see a new king rise or an old one reign again.

Conclusion

The League of Ireland FAI Cup 2025 knockout stages, igniting on September 12, spotlight Shamrock Rovers’ Gaffney-led dominance, Derry City’s Hoban-fueled revival, St Patrick’s Athletic’s Mulraney-driven flair, and Sligo Rovers’ Radosavljevic-backed underdog spirit, alongside Galway United’s Hickey-inspired surge, all chasing the Aviva Stadium crown on November 9. With 135 goals in 36 matches and a legacy of shocks, the quarter-finals and semi-finals will hinge on tactical nous and heart, likely crowning Rovers or Derry as king, a forecast shaped by their 2025 form and cup heritage.

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O’Shea urges Ireland to seize their moment: “Some players will be heroes forever”

As Ireland prepare for the first of their World Cup qualifying double-header against Hungary, assistant manager John O’Shea has told the squad they stand on the brink of greatness. For O’Shea, who was a young player when Ireland last reached the finals in 2002, this campaign could define careers.

“The best bit of advice I would be giving is these are hugely, if not the most, significant moments in your career. And not only for yourself, but for your family… it could be the pinnacle of players’ careers as well.”

Unlike the 14-month marathon that led to Mick McCarthy’s side reaching the 2002 World Cup, the qualifiers for 2026 will be decided in just three months. O’Shea believes the opportunity is huge:

“If you can be a part of that, some players will be heroes forever.”

The assistant boss stressed that the current squad have gained valuable experience and now must deliver when it matters most. “They have to now take that on board… If they can do that, we know we can have a very, very fruitful campaign,” he added.

Competition for places remains fierce, with Callum O’Dowda and Jayson Molumby missing out this time. “It’s nice to have that kind of positive freshness in the squad… There’s a nucleus there that are battle-hardened now as well. They’ve got to step up and really show they can be the main men in the team.”

O’Shea also backed Evan Ferguson, who has returned from compassionate leave following the death of his grandfather. With a bright start to his loan move at Roma, the striker’s mentality has impressed.

“From the bravery he’s shown in making that move out to Italy and the start he’s had, it tells you a lot about the man… We just want any striker to lead the line, be a nuisance for the defence, and be a threat.”

Hungary’s inconsistent recent form doesn’t fool the Irish camp. “You appreciate the quality they have… We know it’ll be a good test, but we also know we’ll be able to cause them lots of issues and problems too,” O’Shea said.

For him, this week is about more than football. It’s about legacy. “Your family, your friends, your old coaches, but also what the public and the fans are craving — that’s what’s on the line. These are the moments that could live with you forever.”

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Joey O’Brien urges Shelbourne to embrace the moment as LOI chases historic European night

Shelbourne boss Joey O’Brien has called on his players to recapture the fearless mentality that won them the league last season as they aim to finish the job against Linfield in Belfast — on a night that could be historic for the League of Ireland.

With a 3–1 first-leg advantage, Shelbourne travel to Windsor Park tonight for the decisive leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff against Linfield. Victory would not only secure progress but also deliver a €3.8m windfall. Alongside Shamrock Rovers, who lead Portuguese side Santa Clara, the League of Ireland could celebrate dual representation in European competition for the first time.

“You perform and you have a cut” — O’Brien

Joey O’Brien has challenged his squad to meet the occasion head-on, insisting that the key is to embrace the spotlight rather than shrink under pressure.

“You perform and you have a cut-off whoever you are coming up against, that’s how I see football,” he said. “Rovers have that in the dressing room. That’s why you’re able to make big results and make history, because you’ve that in the players and the management and the football club — and that’s something we’ve created over the last little while in this club.”

Reflecting on their league title triumph last year, O’Brien added: “We won the league last year. Nobody gave us a chance. We backed our players, we wanted our players to perform when it mattered. Nobody fancied us to get over the line but we went out, had a cut at it and we did it.”

“Motivation cannot be a tension”

O’Brien warned that the pressure of the occasion cannot be allowed to turn into fear: “In this game we have a big moment and a motivation, but that motivation cannot be a tension. That’s a big thing. Sometimes when the level goes up, and the pressure goes up from outside, players get a little bit tense and that’s when you freeze.”

Linfield still fighting

Linfield manager David Healy insists his side remain alive in the tie thanks to their attacking threat, despite being without Matthew Fitzpatrick after his controversial first-leg red card.

“Hopefully the league is celebrating two teams” — Bradley

O’Brien admitted it would be “brilliant for the League of Ireland” if both Shels and Rovers progressed, but was keen to stress that “there’s still a long way to go.”

His Shamrock Rovers counterpart Stephen Bradley echoed the sentiment as his team prepare to face Santa Clara in Tallaght. “On the pitch the league is getting better and stronger and we’ve been at the forefront of that for a long time,” Bradley said. “We want to keep pushing the boundaries and expectations. Hopefully tonight the league as a whole is celebrating two teams.”

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