Hoops face full-strength Cork with three injured

Shamrock Rovers will be looking to build on Tuesday’s victory as they welcome Cork City to Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 7pm.

For the Hoops, Stephen Bradley is suspended, while there are doubts about the fitness of Ian Bermingham (calf), Pat Flynn (hamstring) and Barry Murphy (wrist).

“Ian, Pat and Barry are all carrying knocks,” said Rovers boss Michael O’Neill. “Barry has a problem with his wrist that occurred during the warm-up against Drogheda.

“Obviously we could do without these injuries, but we’ll just get on with it and look towards the Cork City game and building on Tuesday’s win in Dundalk.

“We expect a very difficult game against Cork City, but we are determined to play to our full potential and get the three points in front of another full house in Tallaght.”

City have virtually a full-strength squad for their trip to Tallaght.

Stephen O’Donnell has begun rehab on his knee injury and is now jogging, but will still be sidelined for the next couple of months.

And Robert Mezeckis returned to training this week following an ankle injury, but will not feature against Rovers.

City boss Paul Doolin said: “The players have been brilliant, because when you lose a few games at the start of the season it can be tough, but I think in Dalymount last week we were fantastic, and it was a great result for us.

“I’m delighted for Shamrock Rovers that they are now in Tallaght.

“Having had four successful years at Rovers as a player, I’m delighted that they have a home ground of their own again and it looks like a smashing place.”