Mick Cooke says Bray Wanderers relishing tilt with league champs Dundalk

As Dundalk know better than most in recent years, points win prizes.

This evening at the Carlisle Grounds, however, it’s as much about performance for Bray Wanderers’ boss Mick Cooke whose side has the honour of hosting the champions in the first defence of their 2015 title.

“Tonight will tell me where we really are,” said Cooke, who’s done well in bolstering his squad with the likes of Conor Kenna, Ryan Brennan and Dean Kelly ahead of the new campaign.

“It will probably take us a few games to find our feet. Pre-season is about getting yourself fit. Now there are points at stake.

“Results are important, but tonight for me I expect a big performance that will set us up for the rest of the season.” And his players are relishing the challenge of opening the season against last year’s double winners.

“They will,” said Cooke of his players who will have no issue with being focused from the get-go.

“It was fantastic to look around in training (this week) with 22 or 23 players and having a (welcome) problem picking a team and a bench. It’s a problem I hadn’t got last year.

“It’s a season I’m really looking forward to.” Bray are without Mick Daly (back), Conor Earley (ankle) and Jason Marks (groin).

Reeling from their poor display, as much as defeat, to Cork City in last weekend’s President’s Cup, Dundalk have Ciaran O’Connor fit following an ankle injury to bring a fully fit squad to the Carlisle Grounds.

Sligo Rovers also report a clean bill of health ahead of new manager Dave Robertson’s first competitive game in charge as they welcomeShamrock Rovers.

Pat Fenlon isn’t so fortunate as the Hoops boss is without captain Stephen McPhail due to a tight hamstring. Left-back Luke Byrne and midfielder Patrick Cregg face fitness checks this morning.

Tonight’s fixtures (7.45 unless stated) - Premier Division: Bray Wanderers v Dundalk (7.30), Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

First Division: Limerick v UCD (6.30)