Blues focused for ‘cup final’

“This is now our cup final,” is how Waterford captain David Breen sums up what’s at stake tonight as the Blues host Dundalk in the second and decisive leg of their Airtricity League promotion/relegation play-off.

With away goals not counting, a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Oriel Park means both sides are starting from scratch at the RSC, although Waterford boss Paul O’Brien is taking great heart from his side’s performance on the road.

“Myself and all the management staff are so proud of each and every one of our players,” he says. “The 2-2 result means we now play with our destiny in our own hands.”

Says skipper Breen: “It’s a massive game for both teams. I suppose we were very comfortable for long periods at Oriel but this is now our cup final and we have to produce that level of performance again.”

O’Brien will have to plan without Peter Keegan up front, after the forward badly twisted his knee just before half-time at Oriel Park. Fellow frontman Willie John Kiely is also ruled out with an ankle injury picked up just prior to Tuesday’s game. And midfielder Peter Higgins is rated at no more than 50-50 with a hamstring strain also sustained in the first-leg. On the plus side, O’Brien will welcome back vastly experienced defenders Seamus Long and John Frost from suspension.

Travelling to Suirside and seeking redemption on the very last night of a traumatic season for the club, Dundalk will be relieved, not only to be level on the scoreboard, but to be getting the tie back to 11 v 11 after Stephen Maher’s early sending off in Oriel Park.

However, that red card means Maher misses out tonight while experienced defender Liam Burns is also doubtful after limping off early on Tuesday.

Extra-time and penalties will apply if required at the RSC where a big crowd is expected for the 7.45pm kick off. The match will also be broadcast live on Setanta Sports.