Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley is confident that his side can overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit when they play host to Floriana in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League first round qualifying tie at Tallaght Stadium.

A shock defeat in Malta last week leaves the reigning Premier Division and FAI Cup champions on the cusp of an early exit from the top tier qualifiers, but Bradley saw more than enough in the away leg to remain confident.

"I know we can do it," he told RTÉ Sport on Monday.

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"It's not easy in any game (overcoming a 2-0 deficit) but they're the best players in the country for a reason and have been for a long time.

"We'll be fine. We just need to go back to our levels, do what we do. And what will be will be at the end of it."

Rovers lost Matt Healy to a red card in the first game, which Bradley admitted "didn't help" their chances, but they will be welcoming back Roberto 'Pico' Lopes on the night.

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The Dubliner was a star for Cape Verde as they qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup in the US, so there is no doubt his return will be met with fanfare.

"When you take a player of Pico's leadership quality out of any team, you're gonna miss him", Bradley explained.

"We have to remember, he's been away for six weeks, and the players have performed really, really well. We're top of the league.

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"But there's no doubt taking Pico out of our team, or if you took him out of any team in the country, will hurt, so it's great to have him back.

Bradley was part of the RTÉ panel during Lopes' run at the major tournament, so it should be of no surprise that he is still proud as punch of his captain.

"(I am) extremely proud," Bradley explained.

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"I think we've said it but you have to be proud watching Pico perform like he did on that stage, and watching them (Cape Verde) perform like they do on that stage.

"They were unlucky to lose like they did but they made people believe. All the neutrals were with them. Pico's a superstar now, which is brilliant to see. He deserves it. And now he's back to the real stuff."

As for Tuesday's clash, where Shamrock Rovers will be hoping for their own bit of magic, Bradley is hoping for a huge night from the home support.

Kick-off is simultaneous with the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, but the Rovers boss is hopeful that they get another huge night on home soil.

"We need the fans," Bradley said.

"We know Tallaght and European nights can be special, when we fill it out. We're going to need their energy on Tuesday night, there's no doubt.

"If they do their part, I am sure the players will show up and do ours, and it has the makings to be a special night."

Tuesday marks another crunch clash for Rovers, who approach the business end of the season where they need to balance three competitions.

Friday night sees them kickstart their Club Orange FAI Cup defence, while also having to contend with Europe and the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, where Shamrock Rovers currently sit seven points clear at the top.

For Bradley however, these are the games that you sign up for with a big club.

"That's what being at this club is about," he explained.

"It's about big games every three or four days, it's about travelling in Europe, getting ready to play again. And that's what we want. We have become accustomed to doing that, and we enjoy it.

"We look forward to it. You'd always want a week between games, but at this club, that's not possible, and that means we're being successful.

"So focus on Tuesday, go and do what we have to do and then get ready for cup football."

Watch Shamrock Rovers v Cork City in the Club Orange FAI Cup second round on Friday from 7.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

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Source: RTE