O’Neill fires up Rovers for Dublin derby clash with Pat’s
The champions have victories against Dundalk and Sligo Rovers already under their belts and, with a full-strength squad going into tonight’s game, it’s no surprise manager Michael O’Neill says he’s “very happy” with their start to the season.
“We have good early momentum and our aim is to continue that,” he says. “Not only have we picked up six points out of six so far, but we also did it against two good sides. We face another good side in St Pat’s, but we will be aiming to take another three points. We had a huge crowd at our first home game and are expecting another big support tonight.”
By contrast, St Pat’s opening to the campaign suffered a surprise setback last Friday with a 3-2 defeat at home to Bray Wanderers, but assistant manager John Gill is backing Pete Mahon’s team to bounce back this evening.
“Despite last week’s result we’re in good shape, we have a new squad of players and we’re trying to develop a new way of playing. Our training and performances have been good this year and you can see the team gelling as each week goes by. One bad match won’t set us back and we’ll be full of confidence for tonight’s game.”
Kick off at Tallaght Stadium is 8pm. All tonight’s other Premier Division games kick off at 7.45pm, with Bray v Sligo Rovers at the Carlisle Grounds; Drogheda United v Derry City at Hunky Dorys Park; Dundalk v Bohemians at Oriel Park and Galway United v UCD at Terryland Park.
The pick of the First Division games sees Cork City taking on Limerick at Turner’s Cross. City were disappointed not to take full points when they could only draw 1-1 away to Mervue United last week — having won at home to Wexford Youths on the opening night — but manager Tommy Dunne is determined his players learn from the experience.
“We do not want to dwell on the result, but we created the chances to win the game and we did not take them,” he says. “It’s important that we do not have a repeat of it. Without wishing to be disrespectful to either of our two previous opponents, I believe Limerick will be tougher opposition than what we have faced in our opening two games. They have had two decent results in their opening games, and they will make it difficult for us on Friday. I think it will be a hard-fought game.”
Cork’s new signing Derek O’Brien came off the bench to make his debut against Mervue, while defender Kalen Spillane is back in contention following a one-game suspension for his red card against Wexford Youths. Alan Carey also looks set to be available having missed the Mervue game with an Achilles injury, but Dunne will have to plan without full-back Ian Turner, who is suspended.
Limerick have added to their ranks with the signing of ex-Shamrock Rovers man Sean O’ Connor. And manager Pat Scully is relishing tonight’s challenge in Cork.
“Turner’s Cross has always been one of my favourite grounds,” he says. “It’s a lovely pitch which will suit the way our lads like to play. There’ll be a vocal crowd with a fantastic atmosphere. Cork and ourselves have been tipped to be in the shake-up and looking at both teams you can see why. These are big games but it’s so important that our players focus on their performance and their concentration levels.”
In tonight’s other First Division games, Finn Harps host Monaghan United at Finn Park (8pm) and Shelbourne welcome Wexford Youths to Tolka Park (8pm).
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