SHAMROCK Rovers continue their pursuit of Premier Division leaders Bohemians when they meet Dundalk in Tallaght this evening (7.0 kick-off), while St Patrick’s Athletic are back in action tomorrow, away to Derry City (7.0), following their Europa League defeat to Steaua Bucharest last Thursday.
Having beaten Dundalk twice already this season, Rovers, who will be without the suspended Corie Treacy and Shane Robinson, will be hopeful of keeping in touch with Bohemians.
“It’s a pity Corie and Shane are unavailable, but otherwise we’re at full strength,” said Rovers manager Michael O’Neill. “We rested a few lads for last week’s FAI Cup win against UCD, and we’ve now got a squad that gives us options.”
This evening will see the opening of the East Stand at Tallaght Stadium, which will bring the ground’s capacity to 6,500.
“Hopefully we can fill it,” said O’Neill, “that’s the objective. The people of Tallaght have certainly come out in force to support us and attendances have been excellent.”
Meanwhile at the Brandywell, fourth-placed Derry will be looking to narrow the gap between themselves, Rovers (in second) and Cork City (third) with their third victory of the season over St Patrick’s, in what will be the first of four games over the next 12 days for the club, a critical phase in their attempt to secure European qualification.
Kevin Deery is available again for Derry, having returned from suspension, while Liam Kearney, who broke his leg in May, is on the comeback trail, the midfielder expected to turn out for the A team today against Sligo Rovers.
While St Patrick’s might have one eye on the return leg against Steaua at the RDS next Thursday goalkeeper Gary Rogers hopes a good performance against Derry will boost morale.
“Obviously you’d prefer a rest, but it’s probably no harm to get straight into a league game, it can build a bit of confidence,” he said.
– Mary Hannigan
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