FAI CUP:WITH LITTLE option but to surrender home advantage, Sheriff YC, the only non-league side still in the competition, will hope Shelbourne might reciprocate as such by having an off night to help them cause the shock of the fourth round at Tolka Park this evening.
The AUL side won’t lack for experience on and off the field when they take on the runaway First Division leaders.
Rookie manager Alan Reilly has been around the League of Ireland while his assistant Chris Giles, son of the legendary John, both of whom played for Shamrock Rovers, also brings some pedigree to Sheriff’s backroom team.
Reilly (31) had to retire from playing four years ago due to injuries. During his playing days he won a league with Bohemians in 2003 and reached cup semi-finals with Bohemians and Drogheda.
“We’ve seen Shels and they are a smashing side who are having a great season,” said ex-midfielder Reilly, who was on the books of Manchester City as a youth.
“Hopefully, they have an off night and maybe they’ll have one eye on the league. They’re coming towards the end of their season and we’ve only just started. It’s a great occasion for our club. We need everything going for us and everything not going for them.”
Reilly can call on ex-Drogheda United midfielder John Lester while Willie Molloy, brother of cup winner Trevor, will hope to cause Shelbourne problems on the wing.
Shelbourne are without central defender Ian Ryan and goalscoring midfielder David Cassidy, both of whom are suspended.
Following their 4-0 defeat at St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday, manager Mick Cooke regroups his Drogheda United side for a second home Louth derby with Dundalk inside a fortnight.
“It’s hard to keep the momentum going with such a young and inexperienced squad,” said Cooke who is again without the injured Peter McMahon, Jack Flynn and Colm O’Brien.
“But the cup should be a different matter. If the game is half as good as our last three meetings then it should be a joy to watch.”
Midfielder Stephen Maher (metatarsal) has joined Eoghan Osborne and Stephen McDonnell on Dundalk’s long-term injury list.
Bray Wanderers have captain Gary Dempsey back from a back injury for their meeting with Limerick FC at the Carlisle Grounds.
Limerick boss Pat Scully’s squad is stretched to the limit as eight players are injured, defender Brian McCarthy is suspended and recent signings Shaun Kelly and Rory Gaffney are cup-tied.
St Patrick’s Athletic also have three players cup-tied for their visit to Waterford United. Winger Seán O’Connor, defender Shane Guthrie and recent signing John O’Connor are all ineligible having played for Limerick, Dundalk and Crumlin United respectively in the previous round.
Injury may also rule out Derek Doyle (calf), Danny North (ribs) and David McMillan (hamstring).
Waterford defender Seamus Long is suspended and midfielder Paul Phelan is cup-tied. Striker Adam McSherry (hip injury) will miss out as will midfielder Conor Sinnott (hamstring). Full back Michael Coady and striker Willie John Kiely face fitness tests.
Cork City midfielder Greg O’Halloran (hamstring) will miss the visit to Wexford Youths. On-loan winger Daryl Horgan is cup-tied and winger Davin O’Neill (Achilles) is a major doubt. Wexford’s Karl Keogh is suspended while Shane Nolan and Ben Ryan are also injury concerns.
