Markus Poom urges Shamrock Rovers team-mates to boost their European football hopes when they take on Galway Utd

MARKUS POOM insists a Shamrock Rovers win at Galway United is essential to keep the Hoops on course for Europe next season.

The four-time champions travel to Eamonn Deacy Park tonight knowing that victory would see them move up to third in the table.

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Rovers travel west after beating Sligo Rovers 4-0 on Friday, with Johnny Kenny and Sean Hoare each scoring twice at Tallaght Stadium.

And Poom, who replaced Dylan Watts in the second half of the Dublin 24, said: “It was a great win. The lads did a good job and could have been further ahead at half-time.

“But it was essential that we got a clean sheet and got the three points, especially after the international break, and hopefully we can continue that on Monday.”

Poom was introduced as a second-half substitute in Estonia’s 3-0 Nations League defeat to Sweden eight days ago.

And the midfielder believes the work his team-mates have done during his absence will pay off.

Poom added: “The guys spent ten days training and it showed.

“The team will be vital in a busy period ahead. It’s like our season is starting again. Everyone will get game time.”

As the dream of winning a fifth consecutive league title seems out of reach, it is essential to secure European football.

But Poom doesn’t look beyond the tribesmen.

He explained: “At this club you have to fight for titles, but qualifying for Europe next year is vital and we have to take each game as it comes.

“There is no point in looking too far into the future. We want to be higher in the standings.

“Galway United always play to their strengths and we know what their strengths are, but we also have to manage them as best we can and bring our quality.”

Rovers have been boosted by the return of Lee Grace after suspension.

Jack Byrne should be fit but Aaron Greene, Aaron McEneff and Rory Gaffney are out.

Galway are expected to remain unchanged from their 1-0 win over Derry City last time out.