Hoops must plan without trio for Drogheda game

Shamrock Rovers who take on Drogheda United at United Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm, must plan without Ian Bermingham (knee), Sean O’Connor (suspended) and Dessie Baker (suspended).

The Hoops, who haven’t been beaten in the league since May, said there will be late fitness tests for both Padraig Amond and Paddy Kavanagh.

New signing, goalkeeper Alan Mannus comes into the squad but is likely to start on the bench as first-team keeper Barry Murphy has hardly put a foot wrong over the last few months.

Hoops boss Michael O’Neill said: “Obviously, with both Dessie and Sean suspended, we’re hoping that Padraig and Paddy will make it. But we won’t know until just before kick-off.

“We know this will be a tough game for us. The previous two league meetings both ended in draws, although they were very different games. We salvaged a point at United Park, and let it slip at Tallaght Stadium.

“Drogheda United will fight to the end, and they’ve improved their squad since the start of the season. They’re a stronger side now, but then again, so are we.

“We’ve signed some quality players in recent weeks, but we anticipate that this will be quite a contest and that we’ll have to be at our best if we’re to come away with the three points.”

Drogheda are missing Paul Crowley (calf), Eoghan Osborne (ligament damage in his ankles) and Robbie Farrell who is still recovering from his recent knee operation.

Paul Shiels and Robbie Clarke are also suspended although Scott Gibb returns from suspension.