'Beating Bohs will be a bonus' - Scully

Pat Scully's priority this season is to win the First Division but the Shamrock Rovers manager admits it would also be sweet to lift the FAI Cup.

Rovers have won the cup more than any other side but the last of their 24 victories came in 1987.   Relegation last season then compounded a miserable two decades for the Dublin side.

Although a work in progress, the club is still a shadow of its former self but Scully believes his side have nothing to fear ahead of the third-round clash with Premier rivals Bohemians tomorrow night.

"The fact that it's the only time the clubs will meet this season means that the fans will be even more wound up than usual," Scully says.  "That should make it feel like a final in itself.

"When you're on the winning side it's a great experience. We'll be certainly be doing all we can to get Rovers into the last eight and beating Bohs would be a big bonus."

Scully played in the club's semi-final win over Bohemians four seasons ago only to subsequently lose the final to Derry City.

"We lost that final and it really hurt," he admits. "Shamrock Rovers have a great history in the FAI Cup but our last win was way back.

"Our priority this season is to win the First Division and get back into the Premier but it would be even sweeter if we could do that and win the FAI Cup".

With Rovers plying their trade in the lower division this season, the capital has been deprived of its biggest derby.

Still, the Hoops are flying high in their own league and players and supporters alike are relishing the prospect of facing their old adversaries as under dogs.

But the change of personnel at Rovers following relegation sees a squad littered with fresh faces, few of whom have experience at this level.

Indeed, only goalkeeper Barry Murphy remains from last season and, consequently, is the only Rovers player in the current set-up to have tasted this particular derby atmosphere.

"It's definitely the biggest game for fans on both sides," he says. "There's always a great atmosphere and the players are keenly aware of the game's importance.

"I've been telling the lads that they will not experience a game like this in their careers. The fact that it's an FAI Cup game will add an even greater edge to the occasion".

Remaining tickets for the game will be on sale from booths outside Tolka Park from 6pm tomorrow.

Tickets are priced €15 for Adults and €6 for U16s &OAPs. Demand for tickets has been very strong and Shamrock Rovers advise supporters to come early.  Kick-off is 7.45pm.