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Hoops boosted by Twigg return
Friday night’s derby win over Bohemians was a massive lift for Shamrock Rovers, as was the return of star striker Gary Twigg.

The Scottish hitman – the league’s top scorer last season with 24 goals – made a cameo appearance at Tallaght Stadium, coming on for the last 15 minutes of the match. It was his first appearance of the season, having been sidelined with a calf injury, and his return is vitally important for the Hoops.

“It’s massive to have Gary back,” said Rovers manager Michael O’Neill. “It was a big boost for the players to see him back, for the crowd’s reaction when he comes on.

“There is an aura about Twiggy, particularly when he plays in Tallaght. What he did last year for us was to turn draws into wins.

“He scored 24 goals and I cannot think of a goal that was insignificant. He was not scoring them when we were 3-0 up to make it 4-0 - he was scoring when it was one each to make it 2-1 and when it was two each to make it 3-2. He scored 24 really important goals.”

Rovers have struggled in front of goal in Twigg’s absence, netting just four times, including two penalties, in their opening six fixtures. While Twigg’s return will help ease that problem, O’Neill says it is important not to rush the striker back into action.

“We have to ease him in slowly,” he said. “His calves are fine as the operation has cured that problem, but if he plays too much too early then he could get a hamstring problem.

“In an idea world we would be able to nurse him back but we just have to be careful with him.”
 
 
 
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