Haylock a huge loss for Dundalk in Cup defence

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).

Haylock, the two-goal hero of their FAI Cup final win at Oriel Park in May, returned to training on Monday after an knee operation but will not be fit to play. Dundalk expect him to make his return on August 15 in the UEFA Cup against Varteks of Croatia.

Since Dundalk hammered Bohemians on that famous day at Oriel, the side has suffered relegation to the first division. Then there is the presence of two of last season’s squad members in the Shamrock Rovers team.