Hoops focused on set-pieces, says Chencinski

Tomer Chencinski says Shamrock Rovers have been working on defending set-pieces ahead of Thursday's Europa League second leg tie against Stjarnan.

The League of Ireland side go into Thursday night's Europa League first qualifying round, second leg against the Icelanders with a 1-0 advantage, courtesy of Gary Shaw's first leg goal at the Samsungvollur.

And Canada international goalkeeper Chencinski expects Stjarnan to pose a threat from corners and free-kicks in the return leg at Tallaght Stadium, a match that will be shown live in Ireland on eir sport 1 [kick off 20.00, coverage starts at 19.30].

Stjarnan skipper Baldur Sigurdsson went close with a first-half header in the first leg, while 6'5" forward Holbert Aron Fridjonsson looked a real threat in the air.

"We spoke about it, and recognise they are a threat with some big boys at set-pieces, and on the counter-attack" the 32-year-old told eir sport.

"We have been working on that, and we need to make sure we bring that together as a whole on the night.

"It was great to come away with an away win, and we are comfortable at home at our fortress. Playing back at home will be beneficial to us, back on grass [Stjarnan play on a 3G pitch at the Samsungvollur] on a big pitch which we will try to take advantage of."

Chencinski, who was born in Israel, was part of the Maccabi Tel-Aviv squad that reached the last 32 of the Europa League in 2013, but the giant goalkeeper did not see any game time.

He finally made his Europa League debut in Iceland last week, and his father Benny and brother Guy will be at Tallaght Stadium to watch him in action in his second match in the competition.

"I was speaking to my wife and one of my bucket-list items is to play in the Europa League, to actually play in it," he continued.

"The fact we have a chance to progress to the next round is something that we should be up for. We are looking forward to being positive and making sure we do our work. If so it will all come to fruition."

Rovers will meet Czech side Mlada Boleslav in the Europa League second qualifying round should they progress on Thursday night, and bank €225,000 in prize money to add to the €215,000 they received for making the Europa League first qualifying round.

Images: Inpho/ Oisin Keniry

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