Rovers aiming to be back on top

Shamrock Rovers will return to the top of the table with victory over Sporting Fingal in this afternoon’s clash at Morton Stadium, kick-off 4.00pm.

Dessie Baker and Pat Sullivan are the only two absentees for the Hoops, while new signing, goalkeeper Pat Jennings comes into the squad.

Hoops boss Michael O’Neill said: “The main thing is that we get our focus back on the league after the recent European games. We have two very tough league games either side of travelling to Modena for the away leg against Juventus.

“But we have a bit of a gap, points-wise, over Sporting Fingal and we will be looking to extend that even further. They are a good side, and I’m sure it will be a close affair, as all the games between the two sides have been so far.

“Our aim at the moment is to keep picking up as many points as possible in this quarter of the league, and to keep our unbeaten run going.”

Sporting boss Liam Buckley is hopeful of having central defender Shaun Maher back fit for the Rovers clash.

Maher missed last week’s 1-1 draw at St Patrick’s Athletic with a hip injury but has trained this week and is expected to be available.

The only certain absentee is Colin Hawkins, still recovering from the broken ribs he suffered against CS Marítimo in the Europa League.

Speaking in reference to Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Juventus, Buckley said: “It was a great occasion for Rovers and the Airtricity league as whole.

“Juventus are a top Italian team and Rovers enjoyed some spells of pressure in the match.”

He added: “Our previous four matches against Rovers have all been close, three draws and our FAI Ford Cup win at Tallaght in the replay last season.

“They’ve hit the summit in recent weeks and remain one of the title favourites. It should be an exciting game and we’ll be geared up for it.”