Rovers' Dylan Watts celebrates scoring his sides second goal with teammates(Image: INPHO/Bryan Keane)

Shamrock Rovers are within touching distance of €5m as Europa Conference League knockout phase looms

by · Irish Mirror

Shamrock Rovers have banked YET ANOTHER €400,000 in UEFA prize-money - and are now closing in on €5m thanks to their European exploits this year.

Thursday night’s win over The New Saints has moved the Hoops’ running total onto €4,803,000 - and even more importantly the three points have put the knockout stages firmly in their sights.

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley said before the league phase began that seven points might be enough.

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That’s what they are on now, thanks to their opening night draw with APOEL and wins away to Larne and at home to TNS.

They still have to face Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna, Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka and Premier League giants Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

At the final whistle on Thursday, Rovers were third in the 36-team table, ahead of Chelsea, who were up against FC Noah with an 8pm kick-off.

To put their latest win bonus into context, the Hoops have accumulated just shy of €450,000 in prize money for winning all four of their last League of Ireland titles combined.

By reaching the league phase, Rovers guaranteed themselves a minimum €3.87 million, regardless of their results against APOEL, Larne, The New Saints, Rapid Vienna, Borac Banja Luka and Chelsea.

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Their draw against APOEL added €133,000 to their total, and each win has been worth €400,000.

As for qualification to the knockouts, getting to the play-offs is worth another €200,000, while clinching an automatic last-16 spot would see them bank an additional €800,000.

That would be on top of whatever results they get in their remaining games.

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