SEAN Dyche and his first team coaching staff took in Shamrock Rovers' Europa League defeat to Mlada Boleslav last night.

Dyche, Ian Woan, Tony Loughlan and Billy Mercer were at the Tallaght Stadium to watch the Hoops go down to a 3-2 defeat to their Czech opponents.

It's given Stephen Bradley's side a mountain to climb ahead of next week's second leg as Rovers look to reach the third qualifying round of the competition.

But former Aston Villa youngster Graham Burke has given the Irish side hope as they travel to the Czech Republic, scoring both goals, including an injury-time strike to cut the deficit.

It will be a very different Shamrock Rovers side that takes to the field tonight at the Tallaght Stadium to face the Clarets (7pm).

Bradley is likely to field a team of youngsters and trialists, similar to the side beaten 9-0 by Celtic last Saturday in a friendly.

But Burnley's five Republic of Ireland internationals will be the star attraction just outside Dublin.

For Stephen Ward it's a return to enemy territory, having played at the ground for Rovers' fierce local rivals Bohemians during his League of Ireland career.

"I know the club very well,” he said. “I’ve played there a few times as it was a local derby for Bohemians, the club I played for in Dublin, so it will be nice to go back there.

"I always have fond memories of the Irish league as it gave me my grounding and helped me grow as a player, a man and an individual.

"That gave me the foundations I needed to go and be a success in England.

"It’s been brilliant to see them playing in Europe this week. Dundalk put Irish football on the map last season with their run to the Europa League group stages and any time an Irish side plays in Europe, as I did when we were at Bohemians, they have the support of the whole league."

The Clarets had a brief training session this morning at Carton House before travelling over to the Tallaght Stadium this afternoon.

  • The Lancashire Telegraph is following Burnley on tour in association with Accrington Clarets Supporters Club