Varied views on trip to Sligo

DAMIEN RICHARDSON is so used to seeing his team handed the toughest assignment in each round of this season's Harp Lager FAI Cup that yesterday he sounded as if Sligo really was where he wanted to go.

Before and after the names were drawn out of the hat St Patrick's Athletic manager Brian Kerr and Bohemians boss Turlough O'Connor made it clear that the Showgrounds was not their preferred destination. But having survived trips to the RDS, United Park and the Brandywell, Richardson sensed the inevitable.

"When we went out to RTE they both said they didn't want Sligo away while I knew that was, where we would be going," he said. "It's astonishing really, the odds against being drawn away again must be incredible."

Shelbourne have fared well on their travels. Only Shamrock Rovers managed to force a replay and none of the three Premier Division sides scored a goal against Richardson's outfit.

Good cup runs are always based on a good defence and the fact that we have been through. four games now without conceding a goal is very positive. It will help us go to Sligo full of confidence but once we get there nothing that has happened in the past will matter, it's going to a tough night for us.

Meanwhile, the election of Bernard O'Byrne to the position of honorary treasurer of the FAI was confirmed at Merrion Square yesterday. O'Byrne, who is a representative of the Leinster Football Association, was expected to take the position having previously served as the FAIs security officer.

The FAI also confirmed yesterday that Carlisle United's Rory Delap had withdrawn from the squad for next week's under-21, international against Russia at United Park. Anthony Scully of Crystal Palace has been called into the panel by Mick McCarthy as his replacement.