With the FAI standing firm on Jason Byrne's suspension and the scheduling of tomorrow's second Harp Lager Cup semi-final at Dalymount Park, Bray Wanderers manager Pat Devlin last night said his players would go ahead with the game.
Devlin acknowledged there was still considerable frustration around the Carlisle grounds over Byrne's ineligibility for the game and, in particular, over the role played by Bohemians in ensuring this would be the case.
But he said that, at the end of the day, "The lads won't let me down, they'll be there".
Earlier in the day, the FAI chief executive, Bernard O'Byrne, had made it clear that, as far as the association was concerned, there was a complaint from Bohemians which simply had to be dealt with. This was more or less conceded by Devlin.
Much of the anger within the Wanderers camp is directed at Roddy Collins, not least for his appearance on the TV3 programme Sports Tonight on Thursday. The Bohemians manager said then that he hoped Byrne would be allowed to play, although this is greatly at odds with his behaviour last week when he contacted the St Francis manager, Jimmy Harte, in an attempt to have the Leinster Senior Cup match at the heart of the controversy switched back to its original date - which would have that guaranteed the young striker would be unavailable for tomorrow's match.
Nevertheless, both teams are at least close to full strength, with the holders missing only Byrne and, possibly, Kieran O'Brien, while Collins has the same panel to choose from as last week.
The manner of the defeat by St Patrick's will have been a disappointment for Collins, whose side under-performed on the night and squandered what few chances they created.
That loss made it five league games in a row without a victory at Dalymount. Given that only their cup victory over St Mochta's breaks this run, there would appear to be every reason for the in-form Bray players to travel in optimistic mood.
Mark Dempsey is now officially out for the season with an Achilles problem which is likely to require surgery, but Avery John is available.
Wanderers, meanwhile, have been in good spirits this week despite the problems over Byrne. Stephen Fox, who has missed the last few games through injury and who is due to have an operation, may come in for Byrne for a one-off appearance. If not, then Devlin will embark on a reshuffle.
Route to last four: Bohemians: Beat Cobh away, UCD away in replay and St Mochta's 2-0 at home; Wanderers: Beat Derry City at home in replay, Fairview Rangers away and Kilkenny City 20 away.
Recent form: Bohemians: DWDWL; Wanderers: WWLWW.
Betting: Home: Evens, Draw: 2/1, Away: 5/2.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
