Stephen Bradley admits Molde exit is ‘hard one to take’ but insists Shamrock Rovers will bounce back vs Cork City

STEPHEN BRADLEY’S numbers did not come in against Molde — despite the stats saying otherwise.

Following Shamrock Rovers’ Conference League penalty heartbreak last Thursday night, First Division champions Cork City visit Tallaght this evening.

It will be a comedown from their agonising midweek defeat to Molde.
But boss Bradley is sure his players will be ready.

He said: “I’ve always said that one of the biggest strengths of this group is moving on, win, lose or draw.

“We review it quickly, understand it and move on quickly. You haven’t got time to dwell.

“If you hang on to things for a period of time, before you know it the next game is here, and you haven’t prepared properly, you’re not ready. These players will move on, no doubt about that.”

But he revealed, according to his stats, Rovers should have beaten Molde to book a last-16 place.

He added: “We go through all our metrics on it so we’re not emotional thinking about it and how we performed and if we should’ve gone through.

“All the metrics tell us what we felt that we were the better team over both legs and we deserved to go through.

“But unfortunately, in life and in football, you don’t always get what you deserve, and we’ve got to take that on the chin.

“We’ve got to try and learn from it as best we can and be better for it going forward and we will be. But right now, it is a hard one to take.”

But he knows that they need to be ready and hailed City striking duo Seán Maguire and Ruairí Keating as one of the top attacks in the country.

He added: “You just have to look at their front two, Seán Maguire and Ruairí Keating, and know they’re a threat, can score goals and will cause problems.

“Those two are as good as any in the country.”

Bradley’s attack is bolstered with Rory Gaffney back available.

The 35-year-old has been out injured for ten months and re-signed for Rovers last Thursday having been training with the club over the winter.

Danny Mandroiu is out while Jack Byrne could be back next week as will Trevor Clarke and Darragh Nugent.

Adam Matthews may return today.