Thursday night was another memorable one in Europe for Stephen Bradley and his Shamrock Rovers side as they eased to a 3-0 victory over Bosnian side FK Borac at Tallaght Stadium.
A brace from on-loan Celtic striker Johnny Kenny and a Neil Farrugia tap-in helped move the club to sixth in the 36-team Europa Conference League table. They had already ensured that they would progress to at least February's play-off stage, a first for an Irish side in Europe.
While Shamrock Rovers are flying high at the moment, they face a serious battle to keep hold of key players who have got them to this point, including the aforementioned Kenny and Farrugia.
Kenny's exceptional form, which has seen him become the joint top goalscorer in the Europa Conference League, means Celtic are less likely to loan him to Rovers for a third season, while Farrugia is out of contract.
There is every chance that both players have played their last games at Tallaght Stadium but this is something Stephen Bradley and the club hierarchy will be hoping to avoid.
Stephen Bradley discusses Johnny Kenny's future
Bradley was asked after the final whistle last night whether Kenny was playing himself out of a third season on loan.
“It means Johnny has done well. That’s good, that’s healthy. We’re helping him do well,” he told reporters.
“What the future will be, will be. I’m having discussions all the time myself with Johnny, I’m quite clear where he is. We just have to enjoy what he’s doing this year, we’ve seen real maturity and someone grow before your eyes, it’s a pleasure to watch. There’s so much more to come from him.
“I think he can be a really top player, there’s still loads to come. Hopefully we’re the ones to help him get there.
“There will be changes, players will leave, players will come in. Danny Grant has come in, we’re close with someone else (to sign next week).”
“We have to keep evolving and try and get better. I like the group where it is, the mix we have, the different attributes, the edge. We want to keep players that have interest in them, but that’s all part of the challenge.”
Next up for Rovers is a trip to Stamford Bridge on Thursday to face Premier League heavy-hitters Chelsea.
SEE ALSO: Eileen Gleeson Departs As Ireland WNT Head Coach
