SKY'S THE LIMIT

Bradley's Hoops have high hopes of breaking new ground in Europe

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR IN PRAGUE

SHAMROCK ROVERS have the bit between their teeth and Stephen Bradley insists they can break new ground in Europe over this campaign.

The Hoops are in the Czech Republic tonight to face Sparta Prague, as they take their first steps on yet another group or league phase adventure.

And while it is against opponents who contested the Champions League proper last season, the business end of the Conference League is a level Rovers have grown well accustomed to.

In February, the Hoops narrowly missed out on becoming the first Irish club to reach the last 16 of a major European competition.

After winning 1-0 away to Molde in the playoff first-leg, they lost out to the Norwegians in a penalty shootout in Tallaght.

Shamrock Rovers did so at a time when they could afford to put all their eggs in the European basket as domestically, they fell short after missing out on the league title.

This year, the Hoops can also launch headfirst into their continental mission, safe in the knowledge they taken such good care of business at home, the league is already sewn up.

Friday's derby win over arch-rivals Bohemians — and a vastly superior goal difference — means they won't be reeled in with five games to go.

Technically, another point is needed to make it official, but they will be champions tomorrow if Derry City fail to beat Sligo Rovers.

So with the main business wrapped up at home, manager Stephen Bradley says Rovers are going all out to go one step further in Europe.