Gary Rogers

Qarabag next big challenge for penalty hero Rogers

Today Gary Rogers and his Dundalk colleagues will be basking in the achievement of having made it through the first round of the Champions' League qualifiers -  and in the coming days they will have to start turning their attentions to taking on Azerbaijani champions Qarabag in the second round with the first leg next Wednesday.   

The Lilywhites earned their place in the next stage after defeating Riga 5-4 in a dramatic penalty showdown last night with Rogers playing his part with crucial save in the shoot-out. They now face Qarabag at home next Wednesday 24rd July and then away on Tuesday 30th July.  

Jamie McGrath also played his part in Dundalk's famous win last night. He started the game wearing his customary number 10 jersey and showing some neat touches in a tight encounter. Patrick McEleney went close to finding the net for Dundalk in normal time at Riga last night and Patrick Hoban did have the ball in the net but the 'goal' was ruled out and the game went to extra-time. 

There was nothing to separate the sides in the additional half-an-hour, where Riga were reduced to 10 men after the dismissal of defender Herdi Prenga for a second bookable offence. However with neither side able to score it was onto penalties. 

In the shoo-out, six perfect penalties were followed by four straight misses as the pressure intensified. Georgie Kelly spurned the chance to send Dundalk through.

It went to sudden death, and after Rogers denied Armands PÄ“tersons, Seán Hoare kept his cool to convert his crucial spot-kick.

Qarabag would represent a huge challenge for the League of Ireland champions but after their heroics in Riga anything is possible. 

Recently Qarabag completed a sixth straight domestic league and cup double. They have also qualified for the group stages of one or other of the European club competitions every season since 2014/15.

Two years ago, they made it to the Champions League group stages. They lost the four games played against Chelsea and Roma but  they drew home and away with Atletico Madrid.

Rogers is looking to set a new record in European appearances by a League of Irelalnd player, which was previously held by Ollie Cahill.  He has now matched the existing recored of 41 appearances and if he plays against Qarabag he will set a new record.