Turner takes on the 'Old Lady'

But one Castlerock footballer was brimming with pride, as he reflected on the biggest game of his career.

Chris Turner (23) has been instrumental in Shamrock Rovers’ league campaign this season.

The Rovers are currently sitting top of the table, and have enjoyed a glamorous run in the Europa League

Thursday night was probably the biggest game in the Club’s history, as they hosted Italian superstars Juventus in their new Tallaght stadium, and Chris was part of that team.

On Monday, Times Sport spoke to Chris ahead of the second leg in Italy this Thursday: “Last Thursday night was a great game to be involved in.

“It’s always nice to say that you’ve played against Juventus,” told Chris.

“There was about ten of my family and friends down for the game in Dublin, my Mum and a few cousins came down from Castlerock, and a few mates came over from England, the atmosphere was great.

“Someone said that on the night that there was 6,000 tickets sold, but we could have sold 26,000 - which is great for the Club.

“I thought we gave a good account of ourselves in the first leg, and I hope we can do the same come Thursday night.

“We caused them a few problems in the second half, and to be honest we deserved a goal after all our efforts.”

And the all important question is, who’s shirt did Chris get after the tie: “The boys were all keen to get Alessandro Del Piero or David Trezeguet’s shirt, but I was marking Sissoko, so I thought it was only fair to swap with him,” joked Chris.

Chris and his team mates travel to Italy on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday night’s second leg game, he tells: “ We are flying straight home again after the Juventus game, we have a massive game on Sunday against Bohemians, and that’s our main aim - to get league silverware this year.”

Turner and his fellow Northern Ireland players, Stewart and Manus have been earning rave reviews playing in the stripes of Shamrock Rovers, but they were ignored by NIgel Worthington for Northern Ireland’s friendly against Montenegro.

“I was disappointed when I didn’t at least get a call before the summer tour, but that is up to the Nigel Worthington,” said Chris.

“I don’t think the League of Ireland gets the recognition it deserves because there are a lot of great players here. You only have to look at what Paddy McCourt, Niall McGinn and Keith Fahey have gone on to do to see that.

“Hopefully, myself and the rest of the Northern Ireland lads can make an impression on Nigel Worthington, but doing well for Rovers is my main priority, “ added Chris.

STORY: Nichola Forgrave