Big Euro test for Gary Rogers
Bohermeen man Gary Rogers will be playing his 20th game in European football when he takes his place for hosts Sligo Rovers against Norwegian giants Rosenborg in the second qualifying round of the Europa League this Thursday evening, 7.0.
However, he is unlikely to have to secure the goalposts in the same way that he had to in Trondheim last week before the game (see video clip).
Rogers made a number of excellent saves last week in Trondheim as the Connacht side achieved a major shock when they scored two second-half goals to defeat the highly fancied Norwegians 2-1.
Now Rogers and his team-mates aim to complete the deal although he knows from his previous experience of European football that a massive effort will be required.
If there is one lesson he has learned it is the importance of staying positive when taking on visitors from the continent.
“We’re in a great position with two away goals and there’s no reason why we can’t score again,” Rogers told the Meath Chronicle.
“We created chances out there and scored two goals, it’s well within our capabilities to keep a clean sheet as well. A victory would be massive for the club,” he added.
Rogers was involved in a number of notable triumphs in Europe during his days with St Patrick’s Athletic which included a victory over Russian Premier League side Krylia Sovetov in 2009.
The tie ended 3-3 on aggregate but, like Sligo, St Pat’s bagged two crucial away goals which got them through. That he considers the greatest victory he has ever been involved when it comes to European football.
Such an achievement will be be superceded, he adds, by a Sligo Rovers triumph on Thursday night.
“It’s a huge tie for me personally and the club. There’s more money available for winning a tie like this in Europe than there is for winning the league title so it has implications when it comes to perhaps maintaining full-time set-up in the club,” he added.