Bohs face Rovers without captain

Shamrock Rovers can move to within two points of leaders Bohemians if they can beat their closest rivals at Dalymount Park this afternoon, kick-off 1pm.

Bohs are again without captain Owen Heary (hamstring) and also without Sean Byrne.

Joseph Ndo and Gary Deegan picked up knocks against Salzburg but are expected to be fit for the game.

Bohs manager Pat Fenlon said: "It will be easier to pick the players up for this match than for one against any of the so-called weaker teams.

“It’s a big game for everyone. It would be nice to bounce back after the disappointment of Wednesday night, and hopefully put a smile back on everyone’s faces again. But I think it’s a bigger game for Rovers than it is for us.”

With the exception of long-term absentee Sean Webb (back) and Sean O’Connor (suspended), Shamrock Rovers will be at full strength ahead of today’s top-of-the-table clash.

Hoops boss Michael O’Neill said: “Everyone’s fit and available, and even Sean (Webb) is on the mend. He’s had surgery on his back and is feeling much better, although there’s a long way to go.

“It’s first against second, so that’s going to provide some added spice to the derby. And it’s one win each so far, as they won in Dalymount and we won in Tallaght, so it’s very evenly balanced.

“The first game this season – when Bohs won 2-0 at Dalymount – was only our third game. At that stage the management and players at Rovers were only getting to know each other.

“Going back to Dalymount Park to face Bohs offers the ultimate test of how far we’ve come so far this season. Obviously, we’re looking forward to facing that challenge.”