Rovers: We'll give Athlone the respect they deserve

Shamrock Rovers open their FAI Ford Cup campaign with a home tie against First Division side Athlone Town at Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 8pm.

Having lost in the final last year, Rovers will be looking to go one better in this season’s competition.

For the Hoops, there are slight doubts about Gary Twigg (dead leg) and Alan Mannus (shoulder), but both are expected to be in contention.

Rovers manager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s a break from the league, which the lads will welcome because of the amount of matches we have had recently.

“But that doesn’t make it any less of a big game for us. After just missing out at the final last year, we’ll want to go one better this year.

“We’ll approach the game in a professional manner and do what we need to do to hopefully get the win. While we’ll no doubt be favourites, we’ll be giving Athlone the respect they deserve in this tie.”

Athlone have a number of injury concerns with Garry Higgins (hamstring), Brendan Daly (back), Michael Schlingermann (knee), Kevin Williamson (knee) and Eoin Monaghan (groin) all doubts.