Twigg positive despite defeat to Kazan
Credit:
Shamrock Rovers striker Gary Twigg was keen to look on the bright side
following Thursday night's 3-0 defeat at the hands of Rubin Kazan.
Michael O'Neill's men became the first male Irish team to play in the group stages of a European competition against Kazan, but got off to a disastrous start conceding a goal from Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins after just two minutes.
Twigg said: “We are disappointed with the early goal we conceded but we came up against a top team in Europe.
“Obviously we're disappointed with the result but there are a lot of positives we can take – we created a lot of chances and obviously we missed a penalty. We could have got back into it.”
The 27-year-old believes that the Hoops can bring this European experience to the domestic front and also thinks the Europa League won't be the distraction some people think it is.
“We know we have to be better on the ball. We'll look over the video from the game but I think this will stand us instead for our league campaign.
“I don’t think it will be a distraction. People will say it will be a distraction but as players we look forward to every game. The boys are as feeling as fresh as they can at this stage of the season,” he added.
Next up for Rovers is an FAI Cup quarter-final clash with Sligo Rovers, a repeat of the final of the competition in 2010.
Michael O'Neill's men became the first male Irish team to play in the group stages of a European competition against Kazan, but got off to a disastrous start conceding a goal from Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins after just two minutes.
Twigg said: “We are disappointed with the early goal we conceded but we came up against a top team in Europe.
“Obviously we're disappointed with the result but there are a lot of positives we can take – we created a lot of chances and obviously we missed a penalty. We could have got back into it.”
The 27-year-old believes that the Hoops can bring this European experience to the domestic front and also thinks the Europa League won't be the distraction some people think it is.
“We know we have to be better on the ball. We'll look over the video from the game but I think this will stand us instead for our league campaign.
“I don’t think it will be a distraction. People will say it will be a distraction but as players we look forward to every game. The boys are as feeling as fresh as they can at this stage of the season,” he added.
Next up for Rovers is an FAI Cup quarter-final clash with Sligo Rovers, a repeat of the final of the competition in 2010.
About Frankie Lally
Frankie Lally writes for a number of publications. You can contact Frankie on Twitter at @FrankieLally
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