Shamrock Rovers out of Conference League after defeat in Iceland

Kenneth Fox

Shamrock Rovers have missed out on a place in the knockout stages on Thursday evening.

The Hoops needed a win away to Breidablik, and did take the lead in the first half through Graham Burke.

The hosts eventually ran out 3-1 winners in Iceland.

Without the injured Danny Mandroiu, Josh Honohan and Aaron McEneff, Bradley made two changes from their rousing, if losing, display against Ukrainian side Shakhtar last time out.

Darragh Nugent and striker John McGovern dropped to the bench as in-form schemer Burke returned, while there was a somewhat surprising full European debut for 16-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna.

Bound for Arsenal in January 2027 in a recently announced €2 million transfer, Ozhianvuna, usually played as a winger, started in partnership with Burke in a more central role behind main striker Rory Gaffney.

With a vocal band of travelling Hoops fans easily heard in the sparse crowd, Rovers strove to stretch Breidablik from the start.

But it was a loose pass that presented Breidablik with the game’s first half-chance on five minutes, winger Aron Bjarnason close to taking advantage as he looked to race in behind Rovers’ captain Roberto Lopes with Rovers scrambling back to clear the danger.

Meanwhile, Shelbourne's hopes of making the knockout stages of the Conference League are over.

Joey O'Brien's side were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace at Tallaght Stadium.

Christantus Uch, Eddie Nketiak and Yeremy Pino with the goals for the Premier League outfit.