Stuart Byrne feels Shamrock Rovers need an Owen Heary type leader in their squad and believes Dundalk's new style could help them in Europe.
Despite a 4-0 derby win over Bohemians two weeks ago, Rovers' overall form has been form, compounded by a 2-0 loss to Cork City last night which leaves them down in sixth and off the pace.
Stuey feels a leader in the mould of former Shelbourne and Bohemians legend Heary is exactly what Pat Fenlon's side need.
"I think he would bite his hand off for a commanding centre-half, someone that could read the game well, that could organise well, that was a real leader - an Owen Heary type of player - somebody that just takes over," he told Off The Ball of the type of player that leads by example.
Stuey and The Irish Times' Emmett Malone also discussed the issue of fixture congestion in the Premier Division, while they looked at the stylistic change at league leaders and defending champions Dundalk and Stuey believes their more patient approach could reap dividends in the Champions League qualifiers this summer.
"I don't think they're at the same level as they were last year but in saying that it could suit them, especially when it comes to Europe. I think the way they're playing now could really suit them. They're being a little bit more patient in their play. They're a little bit more focused on having a good shape and trying to be harder to play against," he said.
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