Saints hope to end Cup hoodoo

Monaghan United will be hoping their recent league form will carry into the FAI Ford Cup when they take on St Patrick’s Athletic at Kingspan Century Park, kick-off 8.00pm.

Mick Cooke’s Monaghan are almost at full strength with only Sean Brennan missing through injury.

The Saints are hoping to end their Cup hoodoo this season having not won the trophy since 1961.

Manager Jeff Kenna has a fully fit squad to pick from but he will once again have to do without loan signing Declan O’Brien.

St Pats’ European hero O’Brien missed Tuesday’s game with Bohemians through suspension and will sit this one out as he is cup-tied having played in the previous round for Dundalk.

Kenna said: “Everybody at the club knows how long it’s been since we last won the competition. It’s always important but it’s now our priority because it gives us a way back into Europe next season if we win it.

“I realise having spoken to people how important the cup is to the supporters and we’ll be looking to go as far as we can in the competition.

“Monaghan had a good two-nil win away to Wexford Youths last week, they’re sixth in the First Division and we will have to be wary of the threat they will cause.

“They’ll be looking to cause an upset against us and if we’re not right on the night then that could happen.”