Stephen Bradley optimistic on Jack Byrne after Rovers ace suffers injury in win over UCD

Stephen Bradley is confident Jack Byrne will make a speedy recovery after an injury scare in tonight's win over UCD.

And the Republic of Ireland international could even be fit for Monday’s trip to Drogheda United.

Shamrock Rovers stretched their lead at the top of the table to seven points after swatting the Students aside 3-0 at Belfield.

Barry Cotter, Danny Mandroiu and Rory Gaffney all scored in a first-half show of strength from the champions.

And it was Mandroiu’s sixth goal in his last six games but the Hoops struggled to show the same ruthlessness after the break.

Byrne’s injury towards the end of the first-half was a cause for concern for the table toppers.

But Bradley said: “Jack is good. It was just an impact to his knee when he made the tackle.

“But the doctor had a look at him and it has settled down and he’s fine. He wanted to go back on but I felt we were doing well in the game.”

And quizzed about facing Drogheda, Bradley said: “I think he will be fine. Unless it swells up overnight but the doctor had a look there and he’s fine.”

Bradley was pleased with the ruthless display on show in the first-half and added: “We’re seven points ahead and we’re happy but it’s very early still.

“I’m happy, although we could have had more in the second-half but I’m happy with the tempo we showed in the first-half.

“We scored three good goals and the timing of the runs was really good and I think that summed us up in the first half an hour.”

And quizzed on Mandroiu’s good run of form, Bradley added: “He is back. He has been brilliant and was excellent tonight.”