Shamrock Rovers lose key player ahead of Ararat-Armenia clash

Shamrock Rovers have suffered a major setback ahead of their away match against Ararat-Armenia in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

The Irish side will be without 23-year-old winger John McGovern, the team’s second-highest scorer and leading assist provider, for the match in Yerevan. The news was confirmed by Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley.

McGovern sustained an injury in the club’s latest cup match, in which he scored twice and provided an assist.

Shamrock Rovers will also be unable to call upon first-choice defender Dan Cleary, midfielder Danny Grant and winger Victor Ozhianvuna. The latter is set to join London club Arsenal for €2 million in the winter.

Midfielder Daniel Mandrou has recovered from his injury but was not registered for the Champions League.

Ararat-Armenia defender Alexandros Malis has recovered from injury and will be available for the match. Midfielder Juan Balanta has already returned to training but will not play against the Irish side, as he was not registered for the second qualifying round of the competition.

Ahead of the match, Stephen Bradley spoke highly of the Armenian team.

“They are very dangerous in the wide areas. They have two really good wingers and several strong central midfielders. They are a good team who surprised a lot of people with their result against Riga in the previous round, but they deserved to go through. They played well in both matches. They are a good team, but that is what you expect at this level,” the Shamrock Rovers head coach said.

Bradley also explained that the Irish team had arrived in Yerevan a day earlier than usual to adapt to the local conditions.

“We do not normally arrive this early, but because of the time difference — Armenia is three hours ahead of us — the heat and the fact that we have never been here before, we felt it was important to arrive earlier. It allowed the players to settle in last night, rest today and train at their stadium in the evening, which is normal for us. We decided that the additional day was necessary on this occasion,” Bradley said.

The Champions League second qualifying round match between Ararat-Armenia and Shamrock Rovers will take place today, July 21, at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time.