Waterford look to topple Premier Division opponents

Waterford United will be hoping to cause an upset when they take on St Patrick’s Athletic in tonight’s FAI Ford Cup fourth-round clash at the RSC (kick-off 7.45pm).

Seamus Long is suspended for the Blues, while Paul Phelan is also missing as he is cup-tied.

Adam McSherry is another missing for United, as is Conor Sinnott, who has a hamstring injury.

Michael Coady and Willie John Kiely are doubts ahead of the visit of Pete Mahon’s side.

Waterford boss Paul O’Brien said: "We are looking forward to playing a Premier League team at the RSC. To date this season we have played very well against the top teams in our division like Cork City and Shelbourne, and St Pat's have been one of the top teams in the Premier since the outset."

Saints must plan without the cup-tied trio of Sean O'Connor, Shane Guthrie and John O'Connor.

Derek Doyle (calf), Danny North (ribs) and David McMillan (hamstring) are doubts.

Saints boss Mahon said: "It has been quite a while since the victory against Crumlin United in the last round and we are relishing this cup tie.

"We are expecting a tough match against Waterford, whom I've seen play a couple of times already this season.

"They are a strong physical side who will be there or thereabouts come the end of the league season and with the strong local support behind them it will make for an interesting match.

"We know what the competition means to this club and its supporters. It is now 50 years since the last (FAI Cup) success and the club has this monkey on its back regarding the Cup, which has to come to and end at some stage.

"I believe that each year somebody's name is on the Cup and they are going to win it. Over the past couple of seasons there haven't been many surprises in the competition, and we will have to guard ourselves from a possible surprise."