Hoops face Bray witf five absentees

Shamrock Rovers will stay top of the Airtricity League table with victory over Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium tonight, kick-off 8pm.

Chris Turner (foot), Craig Sives (groin), Dessie Baker (Achilles) and Pat Sullivan (knee) are all sidelined from the Hoops squad through injury.

Robert Bayly is suspended after receiving a red card in the last league game against Drogheda.

Rovers manager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s nearly like facing a different Bray side than we have so far this year. They have brought in quite a few new players and have a lot more experience in their side now.

“They obviously did very well to beat Pat’s last week, and by all accounts they did likewise against Bohs during the week, despite losing. We’ll have a tough game on hands.”

Bray captain Daire Doyle is unavailable for the trip to Tallaght, while there are doubts about Shane O'Neill and Adam Mitchell who are both carrying knocks.

Stephen Brennan is added to the squad having missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Bray Director of Football Pat Devlin said: "I'm looking forward to going to Tallaght Stadium. Games between Rovers and Bray are always good and Friday will be no different.

“We both come into the game following defeats and both sides will be anxious to get back to winning games.”