Tonight's Europa League second qualifying round game between Shamrock Rovers and AC Milan is set to be one of the more difficult obstacles the Tallaght side have faced in recent years, but manager Stephen Bradley is showing no lack of belief ahead of the tie.
In a one-off game, anything may be possible, with the prospect of extra-time and penalties if the game remains a stalemate after 90 minutes. However Bradley is giving no indication that his side is planning to sit behind the ball and hope for the best.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bradley stated his side will have a game plan and will endeavour to win the match.
"We know it’s going to be a difficult game obviously but we’ll go with a game plan to try and win the game like we always do. We know there’s going to be times in the game when we’re up against it and we’re going to have to dig in.
"That’s only normal when you play a team of this quality but I honestly believe that we have enough quality to cause any team problems and create chances and I think Thursday will be no different.
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"You have to understand the quality of player you’re up against, it’s going to be really high and there’s going to be periods in the game where you’re not going to have the ball.
"You’ve got to be comfortable with that and ready for that, and be ready to work and put in a shift. But there’s going to be patches in the game where we will get possession and chances and we’ve got to be ready to take them."
Aaron Greene is set to lead the Rovers attack, with Jack Byrne and Graham Burke to provide the link from midfield. Joey O'Brien is set to return from injury, but Greg Bolger is sidelined.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to training following injury and Milan manager Stefano Pioli is set to start the former Manchester United striker up front.
However Pioli will have to do without Rafael Leao, who is injured, the suspended Ante Rebic and captain Alessio Romagnoli, who is not set to return for a few weeks yet.
His absence does weaken the visitors rearguard, an area Rovers will be looking to break down if they are to have any chance of progression.
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