Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes returns to training for Champions League tie

Roberto “Pico” Lopes, who starred for Cape Verde at the World Cup and helped the team force a 3‑2 loss to Argentina in the round of 32, has rejoined Shamrock Rovers’ squad in Dublin. After arriving back on Monday, he was welcomed with a civic reception organised by South Dublin County Council and is now back in training ahead of the club’s Champions League second‑leg qualifier.

Shamrock Rovers lost the first leg 2‑0 to Maltese side Floriana in Malta and will host the return match on Tuesday, 14 July, at Tallahill Stadium. The club hopes Lopes can help overturn the deficit as they prepare for the crucial fixture, with a further FAI Cup game against Cork City scheduled for Friday.

The Champions League qualifying round also features other clubs across Europe, but the focus of this story is Lopes’ return and the upcoming Irish‑Maltese showdown.