Shamrock Rovers guaranteed European group stage football after win over Celje

Kenneth Fox

Shamrock Rovers are guaranteed at least a Conference League group stage spot in what was an incredible night for Irish football.

Graham Burke’s extra-time goal saw the Hoops beat Slovenian champions Celje 3-1 at Tallaght Stadium, and 3-2 on aggregate.

Rovers’ reward is a Europa League play-off, starting away to PAOK next week.

St. Patrick’s Athletic are through to the play-off round of the Conference League.

Stephen Kenny’s side were 1-0 winners away to Sabah of Baku this evening, courtesy of an own goal three-minutes after half-time.

Sabah had been reduced to ten men midway through the first half, and Pat’s won the tie 2-0 on aggregate.

The Saints will play either Istanbul Basaksehir or Georgian club Iberia in the next round.