Shamrock Rovers -v- Flora Tallinn

• Simon O'Gorman
• Tue, Jul 12 2011


Shamrock Rovers launch their 2011 European campaign on Tuesday night when Estonian side Flora Tallinn arrive at Tallaght Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie. (Kick off, 8pm)

Despite a record of European competition that stretches back to 1957 and includes 22 campaigns, Rovers have never progressed through a Champions League (or European Cup) round. The last time the Hoops took part in this competition was in 1987 when it was still titled the European Cup and the club suffered a first round exit at the hands of Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.

In contrast to Rovers, Flora made their European debut as recently as 1994 when they went out of the UEFA Cup at the first time of asking, losing 6-0 on aggregate to Danish side Odense BK. Rovers also competed in the UEFA Cup that year, going out at the same stage to Gornik Zabrze of Poland by an aggregate score of 8-0.

Both sides also took part in last season’s Europa League with Rovers achieving a memorable win over Israeli side Bnei Yehuda before going out to Italian giants Juventus in the 3rd qualifying round. Flora had a less eventful competition, losing to the Georgians, Dinamo Tbilisi in the opening round.

Michael O’Neill with be without the services of Karl Sheppard for Tuesday’s game as the striker has not recovered from an ankle injury but otherwise the Hoops boss has a full squad to choose from. Should Gary Twigg be selected he will make his 100th competitive appearance for the Hoops.

Speaking before the tie Michael O'Neill said, “The players are very much looking forward to the game, as is everyone at the club. Playing in Europe is very important to every Airtricity League club, and that’s obviously the case for us too.

“I wasn’t able to make it out to Tallinn, but we have looked at them and done our research. We expect it to be a stiff test for us, but we do feel that we are capable of progressing through the tie, if we play to our abilities.”

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Karl Sheppard.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Flora Tallinn
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Jakob Kehlet (Denmark).
Paddy Power Odds: Rovers 8/15; Draw 3/1; Flora 9/2.
Extratime prediction: Rovers to earn a narrow 1-0 win.