MARKUS POOM insists a Shamrock Rovers win at Galway United is a must to keep the Hoops on course for Europe next season.

The four-in-a-row champions travel to Eamonn Deacy Park tonight knowing victory would move them up to third in the table.

Rovers make the trip west having dismissed Sligo Rovers 4-0 on Friday. Johnny Kenny and Sean Hoare netted a brace each at Tallaght Stadium.

And Poom — who replaced Dylan Watts in the second half in Dublin 24 — said: “It was a good win. The lads put in a good shift and could have been further ahead at half-time.

“But it was vital we got a clean sheet and three points, especially after the international break, and hopefully we can carry momentum into Monday.”

Poom was introduced as a second-half substitute in Estonia’s 3-0 Nations League loss to Sweden eight days ago.

And the midfielder believes the work put in by his team-mates while he was away will yield dividends.

Poom added: “The lads were in for ten days being put through their paces and it has showed.

“The squad is going to be vital with a busy period to come. It’s like our season starts again. Everyone will get minutes.”

While the dream of winning a fifth league title in a row looks out of reach, ensuring European football is essential.

But Poom is not looking beyond the Tribesmen.

He explained: “At this club you have to be challenging for titles but qualification for Europe next year is vital and we have to take each game as it comes.

“There is no point in us looking too far into the future. We want to be higher up the table.

“Galway United always play to their strengths and we know what they are but we also have to manage it as best we can and bring our quality.”

Rovers have been boosted by the return of Lee Grace following suspension.

Jack Byrne should be fit but Aaron Greene, Aaron McEneff and Rory Gaffney are sidelined.

Galway are expected to be unchanged from their 1-0 win over Derry City last time out.