STEPHEN BRADLEY was delighted Shamrock Rovers stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games on Friday — despite making several changes.
The Hoops also moved 11 points clear at the top of the table.
But the 4-1 win over Cork City may have been their most routine triumph yet.
Jack Byrne, Graham Burke and Aaron Greene spent the game on the bench — while regulars Matt Healy, Lee Grace and Darragh Nugent had the night off completely.
But there was no let-up in quality on the pitch as the Leesiders were thumped.
Teenager Michael Noonan, 16, scored two, while there were also goals from Roberto Lopes and Rory Gaffney. Alex Nolan grabbed a consolation for City who remain last.
And Hoops boss Bradley said: “We did feel coming into it that it would be a really important game.
“We made six changes and we looked like we kept our rhythm.
“Sometimes when you make changes you can lose that rhythm but I think it’s a sign of where the players are.
“When they’re called upon, they’re ready to play and that was the really pleasing aspect that our energy levels and tempo, obviously had quality in the final third, was really good.”
Noonan’s brace means he has now scored six league goals this term having joined from St Patrick’s Athletic during the off-season.
He also scored on his Hoops debut against Molde in the Conference League in February.
But Bradley reckons his prodigy can keep improving.
The Hoops chief said: “If anyone has watched him from the first game against Molde to now — and watched him in detail — you can see the progression in his game and the little tweaks he has made to his game.
“His runs are not as straight as what they were, which means he’s onside for a lot more of them. His understanding of when to come to feet, when to go long and his hold-up play has become so much better.
“He scores goals when you put him in front of goal. When you add that to his elite mentality and his attitude to the game, he’s a joy to work with.
“You can see the group love him and the fans love him and it’s our job to keep developing him and please God if injuries allow, he stays focused he’s got a really bright future. It’s incredible. He’s 16 and to be doing what he’s doing . . . there’s so much more to come from this boy.”
‘HAVEN’T SPOKEN’
One curious onlooker enjoying what he saw from Rovers — and for the second week in a row — was ex-Ireland Under-21 international Conor Masterson.
The defender, 26, sparked transfer speculation by attending last week’s Tolka Park tie between Rovers and Shelbourne.
And the out-of-contract Gillingham star was at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
But Bradley was quick to pour cold water on links suggesting a deal was close to snap up the former Liverpool trainee.
He said: “I haven’t spoken to Conor, no. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to Conor to be honest. I’m hearing teams have offered him deals. I don’t know how true it is but we haven’t spoken to him.”
But when pushed on if this move might be something that may interest him, he did not say no.
Bradley added: “He’s a good player and there’s no getting away from that.
“We want good players here. I don’t know what his plans are, I don’t know anything about them and that’s being genuine.
“But if it’s something that he was coming home, we’d obviously be interested in good players.
“We’re looking at a couple of things but we have to see if they happen.
“I’m a real believer in if it’s not the right one, then be patient. I like where the group and squad is.
“We’ll try to improve it if we can.”
