Rogers back for Drogheda United

Drogheda United take on rivals Dundalk in the fourth round of the FAI Ford Cup at Hunky Dorys Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Rogers back for Drogheda United

Drogheda United take on rivals Dundalk in the fourth round of the FAI Ford Cup at Hunky Dorys Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

United must plan without Peter McMahon, Jack Flynn and Colm O'Brien as they remain out injured.

Experienced defender Dave Rogers is available for selection despite being dismissed against St Patrick’s Athletic last week.

Drogheda boss Mick Cooke is looking forward to the distraction of the Cup and playing against near neighbours Dundalk.

Cooke said: “Last Friday was a blip (losing to St Pat’s). It's hard to keep the momentum going with such a young and inexperienced side.

“But the Cup should be a different matter. It brings its own joy and there should be a great atmosphere, especially considering it is a local derby.

“If the game is half as good as our last three meetings then it should be a joy to watch.

“It would be nice to put a cup run together for the fans and I of course am quietly confident that we can turn them over. But I'm sure Ian Foster will be thinking the same.”

Dundalk boss Foster travels without Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), Stephen McDonnell (knee) and Stephen Maher (broken bone in his right foot).

Mark Griffin is struggling with a groin strain and is a doubt for tonight’s game.

Foster said "With all the injuries that we had, I actually asked a local priest to come in and just say a prayer and bless the players.

"I think we need Our Lord himself to come in and look after us at this moment. We're trying everything and unfortunately we just seem to be having rotten luck with injuries.

"We're not just picking up a strain here and a strain there. They're serious enough injuries. You genuinely feel for the boys that it's happened to."

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