LAST season’s FAI Cup winners Dundalk take a step into the unknown tonight when they travel to face Croatian side FC Varteks in the UEFA Cup qualifying round first leg — which kicks-off at 7pm Irish time Irish time.

Shamrock Rovers will be without key midfielders Marc Kenny and Derek Tracey for Thursday night's UEFA Cup qualifier against top Swedish side Djurgardens.

GARY HAYLOCK will be a huge loss for Dundalk as they open their defence of the FAI Carlsberg Cup against Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park tonight (7.45).

MARTIN MURRAY, who led Dundalk to the FAI Carlsberg Cup title last season, welcomed their second round draw against Shamrock Rovers last night with the comment: "It is just like the cup final against Bohs, we are again the outsiders. That's how we like it."

Garry Haylock scored twice to win the FAI Carlsberg Cup for relegated Dundalk.

eircom League latest:

eircom League latest:

Gary Haylock scored twice as Dundalk gave their hopes of avoiding relegation a boost with a shock win at Flancare Park.

Bohemians 1 Shamrock Rovers 1

Bray Wanderers 0 Bohemians 4

Shelbourne are leading Monaghan United in their Eircom Premier League game tonight at half-time, despite having one man sent off.