Shamrock Rovers look to leapfrog Cork City into second place

With leaders Dundalk and second-placed Cork City not in action tonight, Shamrock Rovers have a chance to leapfrog the Rebels when they host Drogheda United at Tallaght (8pm).

Neither side covered itself in glory last time out in the league, with struggling Drogheda going down 3-0 at home to Longford Town while Rovers were held 1-1 in Limerick. Yet, the Hoops, one point behind Cork in third, remain unbeaten in the Premier Division and Drogs boss Johnny McDonnell – who will be without the suspended Sean Thornton this evening – is under no illusions about the quality at Pat Fenlon’s disposal.

“They are a very good team all the way through,” he says. “Simon Madden is probably the best full-back in the league while Gavin Brennan and Sean O’Connor will give them quality delivery out wide that we need to deal with. I think it’s the best squad that Rovers have had for a few years and it will be a difficult challenge for us.”