Grace: I knew next to nothing about Pico when I signed

LEE GRACE admits he knew very little about Pico Lopes when he joined Shamrock Rovers almost a decade ago.

- MARK McCADDEN

Now his Hoops teammate has become one of the biggest stories of this year’s World Cup.

Lopes’ performances against Spain and Uruguay, combined with the nature of his international call-up via LinkedIn, have ensured global recognition for the Dubliner.

It’s a far cry from his early days at Rovers, when Grace arrived at Tallaght Stadium six months after the Cape Verde star moved from Bohemians.

Lopes is in action again just hours after Shamrock Rovers’ Premier Division game tonight against Galway United.

A draw against Saudi Arabia (Jam) in Houston should be enough to progress to the last-32, possibly even in second place should Uruguay lose to Spain.

Grace and his teammates will stay up to watch their pal in action, with the Wexford-born centre-half set to double-up on baby duty.

He and his wife welcomed their first child 11 weeks ago, so it'll be an opportunity to get in a nightfeed or two.

“The time is ideal because I do struggle to sleep after games, especially in this heat now as well,” said Grace.

“I've taken a few night feeds after games when I get home - straight in the door, straight into a night feed.”