JACK BYRNE, Neil Farrugia and Markus Poom returned from injury last night, as Shamrock Rovers drew 1-1 with Bohemians.
All three players made substitute appearances, though Rovers had another injury worry to contend with, as Poom replaced Dylan Watts in the 35th minute.
“Dylan looks like a hamstring [injury],” Hoops boss Stephen Bradley said afterwards. “We have been worried about Dylan for a few weeks as he has played nearly every minute and we have been looking for opportunities to take him out.
“We took him out Monday early but he’s the one that we flagged about 10 days ago as a staff that we knew he was in the red zone, in real danger. But with the bodies the way they were, he’s been playing and unfortunately it’s gone but hopefully not too bad.”
On the other hand, Bradley was relieved at the much-needed reinforcements to his somewhat depleted squad.
Estonia international Poom was back after missing the last three games. By contrast, Byrne and Farrugia — who both came off the bench in the dying minutes as Rovers searched unsuccessfully for a winner — were longer-term absences.
Farrugia had been unavailable since picking up a shoulder injury in the season opener against Dundalk. Meanwhile, it was Byrne’s first match of the campaign and he also missed a substantial chunk of the end-of-season run-in last year.
“It was good to get them on, especially Jack,” Bradley added. “He’s been out a long time and then nearly came back and had a little setback, so it’s great to have him on the pitch. He felt good and had no issues afterwards.
“It’s the same with Neil. Neil has been really quick [getting back] and Markus also felt good. We didn’t rush him for Monday [against Drogheda], so it was good to get him back. We are getting there and should have a few more back next week.”
Byrne, winner of successive PFAI Players’ Player of the Year awards in 2019 and 2020, has proven a key player for Rovers when fit.
However, it is almost a year since the Dubliner last completed 90 minutes — which also happened to be a Premier Division draw with Bohemians at Dalymount Park on 23 June 2023.
Bradley is unsure when the recuperating 28-year-old will be ready to start a match for the Hoops.
“It’s going to depend on his lungs and match fitness. It’s different training and running to playing out there and 90 minutes at intensity. It’s completely different and only time will tell.
“We will try and build him up over the next few weeks and thankfully we have a lot of games, which allow us to do that. Hopefully, on Monday [against Waterford] we can get more minutes into him and keep building him and as soon as he’s ready, he plays.”
One of the main reasons for the length of Byrne’s absence has been the difficulty in identifying the precise problem.
“It came from his back down to his knee, calf. We had him everywhere — the main specialist in Europe, we had him in London, had him everywhere at different clubs just trying to get to the bottom of it.
“It looks like we’re there now and it’s just about getting him back up and ready to go. It’s a long season and only early, so we’ll spend time building him.”
The late introductions of Byrne and Farrugia could not inspire the reigning champions to victory, as they missed the chance to go level at the top with Shelbourne.
Bradley, whose side largely controlled the second half and missed some decent chances, felt it was a case of two points dropped: “We should win the game. Second half they had very little. I can’t remember anything in our box or even on target. No, we’re frustrated we didn’t win the game.”
How was Porter not nominated. The stand out scrummager and ball carrier.
Because there are only 5 places and they seem to be spreading the nomination across 5 different Countries. He has been excellent too, though.
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Deegan has been brilliant all tournament and scored one of the tries of the competition in the semis. Let’s make sure to get our votes in while they’re all asleep in New Zealand.
I think having the public vote is unfair, it means England will probably win it on the basis of having a bigger population and just a case of blind voting.
You should probably click the link Cathal; it’s a wall of votes for Deegan.
I have clicked it ( Im one of the voters on that wall) great to see! If Malinder wins it it will be a disgrace, for me Deegan is the clear winner and if anyone wins then the IRFU should complain tbh.
Good man Cathal. Hopefully we will have plenty to celebrate come Saturday night.
God yes, i’d actually prefer us win this match than the series in SA (Although I would prefer we win both!)
I know World rugby like to spread the candidates by nation but I feel 1 player isn’t enough, Porter and Ryan had to also been in the running and I’m only naming a few!
He may have shine in a few games but he’s far from our best player.. Was terrible during the 6 nations, in fact was dropped and very average for Lansdowne 20s this season
The 6 nations isn’t relevant in a player of the tournament poll.
It’s an award for player of the tournament , therefore how he played during the 6 nations or for Lansdowne is irrelevant
I don’t get what the 6 Nations has to do with his brilliant performances in the under 20 World Rugby championship?? But maybe you can fill us in.
But he’s not been nominated for his six nations performances…This is for the world championship….where he’s been ireland stand out player.if you say he hasn’t had a great season does that not make his performances all the better?
Marc. That is a very interesting comment. Did he play 20s all season without playing AIL?
Christiaan he played both AIL and 20s , won the 20s cup with Landsdowne, delighted he’s playing well and nominated, just stating the facts on his 6 Nations and club form.. How Porter and Stockdale aren’t nominated beggars belief.. Constantly brilliant
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