AZORE POINT

Rovers boss Bradley has no interest in ‘nonsensical’ and ‘silly’ talk about past European adventures ahead of huge showdown with Santa Clara

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

STEPHEN BRADLEY has stressed the importance of looking forward rather than back as Shamrock Rovers chase a slice of history tonight.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg in the Azores, the Hoops could become the first League of Ireland side to reach Europe’ league phase without the comfort of a safety net.

Since embarking on this Conference League run, the league leaders knew they didn't have the luxury of the coveted ‘champions path’ and that one defeat would finish them.

But here they are again, on the cusp of a third league or group phase adventure since 2022, and a minimum €3.8m payday guaranteed if they get over the line tonight.

It was 14 years ago this week that Shamrock Rovers themselves were Ireland's trailblazers in Europe, becoming the first club to reach the group stages.

That was in Belgrade, when Michael O'Neill's side came from behind on a famous night to beat Partizan 2-1 and make history by qualifying for the Europa League proper.

It raised the bar year on year for all clubs - and yet Bradley feels no emotional attachment to anything that went before.

Hes not even bothered with more recent European experiences, not least the Molde clashes in February when Rovers agonisingly missed out on reaching the last 16.

Akin to winning in the Azores last week, Bradley's men had recorded a famous playoff victory in Norway but then bowed out after a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat in Tallaght.