Shane Robinson never thought he would get the chance to play for Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght - but on Friday the midfielder will captain the Hoops for their first match in the new stadium.

Robinson first joined Rovers back in 1999 and became an instant hit with supporters. However, as the club's off-field problems mounted, Waterford-born Robinson was sold to Drogheda United, where he enjoyed great success.

"I’d signed with Drogheda and I was thinking I’d be there for three more years, but to get this opportunity to come back to Rovers is brilliant," he said. "I didn’t think it would come, and I’m chuffed.”

Now regarded as one of the top midfielders in the League of Ireland, Robinson is back at Rovers and on Friday night will lead the team out onto the pitch for the historic opening of the Tallaght Stadium.

“It’ll be a great day to be going out in Tallaght because it’s something that I wanted to do five years ago, and I was forced to leave the club because it didn’t look like happening.”

Rovers had to settle for a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture of the season, away to Bray Wanderers, but Robinson is confident that the team can push on from that result.  

“The support out in Bray last week was great," he said. "You don’t get that at any other cub, really. Hopefully we can put on a show every time we go to Tallaght - and play positive football.

“The first day of the season is odd. Everyone’s up for it, everyone’s done 8-9 weeks of pre-season and going to bust a gut. And, in fairness, Bray did. We got a point, we’re off and rolling, and look forward to next week.”