Final success would be perfect start for Laws

The wisdom of the decision by the board of Shamrock Rovers to sack Stephen Kenny will receive its second big test today when the club takes on Drogheda United in the EA Sports Cup final at Tallaght Stadium (5.45pm).

A defeat to Shelbourne in the FAI Cup suggested that a fresh page had not been turned but with director of football Brian Laws now installed until the end of the season, the Hoops will be hoping to grab their last chance of silverware before attention returns to the league run-in and a bid for a place in Europe.

Laws, having previously helmed Burnley, becomes the first man to manage in the League of Ireland after managing in the Premier League, admits that it’s a case of in at the deep end for him.

“It is very unusual for your first game with a club to be a cup final, but that’s the way it is,” he says. “We want to start off with a win and then we will be looking at the last six games as a mini-league from which we will be looking to qualify for a European spot.

“When I came in I asked the players for blood, sweat and tears this week. I didn’t think they’d take me literally, but we ended up with a few cuts and bruises, they’ve worked so hard. The players have given me a fantastic response and they are all really looking forward to the game.”

For Drogheda United — having also just exited the FAI Cup — the aim is to ensure something by way of reward for being the surprise package of the season, even if their record against Rovers under Kenny stands at three defeats in three games.

“Well a cup final is its very own entity and it can’t be compared to anything else,” says manager Mick Cooke. “Stephen Kenny obviously leaves 3-0 up against me, but it’s now 0-0 between myself and Brian Laws. So clearly attitudes will be different in the Rovers camp.”

In team news, Graham Gartland and Conor Winn both remain out of the Hoops squad with back injuries. Ken Oman and Pat Sullivan are both suspended for the game while there are doubts over Colin Hawkins, Craig Sives and Conor McCormack. All three will face fitness tests before today’s game.

For the Drogs, Paul Crowley and Alan Byrne are available but Michael Schlingermann, Michael Marks and John Sullivan are all cup-tied.