Stephen Bradley praises Alan Mannus as Shamrock Rovers beat Derry

"He's been excellent for us, he's the ultimate professional."

Stephen Bradley praised Alan Mannus' first-half heroics as Shamrock Rovers beat Derry City 1-0 at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night. Substitute Danny Mandroiu converted from close range in the 79th minute to send the Hoops four points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity League. Bradley commended Rovers showing in the second half, where his side's impressive squad depth was highlighted.

Stephen Bradley discusses beating Derry.

Bradley was delighted with the three points, although, he pinpointed the first half where Rovers were "poor" and had to depend on goalkeeper Alan Mannus to keep the scoreline level. However, the 37-year-old was pleased with the response of his side in the second half, which allowed the Hoops to cause Derry "real problems." "I'm delighted with the win. I thought first half they were very good, we were poor and Alan (Mannus) kept us in the game first half," Bradley told SportsJOE. "I thought the second half, for a twenty-minute spell, it was a lot more like us and we caused them real problems."

Bradley praises Alan Mannus' performance.

Bradley lauded Mannus' performance, who made some vital saves, as the 39-year-old kept his sixth clean sheet of the season in front of a packed-out Tallaght Stadium. The nine-time Northern Ireland international was described as "the ultimate professional" by his manager, who alluded to being able to rely on Mannus in the big moments. "Alan has always made saves. That's what he's always done throughout his career and it's no different this year," Bradley added. "He's been excellent for us, he's the ultimate professional. And you can see that when it comes to time to make big saves, he makes them." https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1525193251749249024 Shamrock Rovers' next match is away to UCD on Thursday, with kick-off at 7:45 pm, as they aim to extend their four-point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League. Related links:

• Stephen Bradley hails 'fantastic' Andy Lyons as Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians.
• Damien Duff sent off from sideline after protests over Shane Griffin red.
• Katie McCabe says Ireland shouldn't 'jump the gun' with Aviva Stadium move.

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