Shamrock Rovers ace Jack Byrne has been handed fresh hope of featuring in tomorrow’s Champions League clash.
The Hoops face Breidablik of Iceland in the first qualifying round, first leg at Tallaght Stadium (7.45pm).
Byrne has a knee injury and played no part in Friday’s scoreless draw in Drogheda and Stephen Bradley had all but ruled his playmaker out.
But the Rovers boss delivered a more upbeat bulletin on Byrne this morning, ahead of their European return.
Quizzed on Byrne’s availability, Bradley said: “I thought Jack would be ready for Friday but the day before it was too sore. Today is better.
“It just needs time to settle. Jack doesn’t like being injured, so he was trying to push it (to play in Drogheda).
“The few days over the weekend have helped him. He was out (on the training pitch) early this morning and he did well.”
Byrne will be central to Shamrock Rovers hopes of progressing in Europe this summer and Bradley added: “He’s a top player, we know that.
“He shows that every week, in terms of the opportunities he creates. He’s difficult to play against. If he’s available, which it looks like he is, it’s a positive for us.”
But while Byrne should make the squad, Neil Farrugia won’t be available until next week’s second-leg in Iceland after his recent hamstring issue.
Gary O’Neill and Lee Grace are available but Trevor Clarke is at least six weeks from returning. Justin Ferizaj serves a European ban carried over from last year.
First-choice goalkeeper Alan Mannus was back on the bench in Drogheda after two months out with a fractured finger.
But tomorrow’s game is likely to be too soon for a start, with Leon Pohls expected to retain his place having deputised in Mannus’ absence.
“It’s about building strength up in the hand,” said Bradley. “That could take a day or a week as the finger is still catching at times.
“But Alan trained last week and was on the bench for Friday.”
