Rovers boss Bradley plots for St Pat's without starlet Ozhianvuna

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley consoles Victor Ozhianvuna of Shamrock Rovers as he comes off with an injury. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers will be without Arsenal-bound midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna for Friday’s top-of-the-table clash against St Patrick’s Athletic as the champions look to swell their buffer at the summit.

A headed winner by former Ireland defender Enda Stevens earned the Hoops a 2-1 comeback victory at Bohemians on Monday and another Dublin derby triumph could put them eight points clear by the midway stage of the season.

Stephen Kenny’s Saints lost both of their meetings with the holders this term but according to winger Zack Elbouzedi, they’re ‘feeling good’ about their prospects heading to Tallaght.

Rovers possess the depth to cope without Ozhianvuna, after he was forced off at Dalymount, but the playmaker, on his way to the Premier League champions in January for an initial fee of €2m, will be missed.

“Victor picked up a back injury which will keep him out for a couple of weeks,” explained Hoops boss Stephen Bradley.

“Definitely and the key word about this game is respect. Although we’ve won the two meetings so far, they’ve been two close games, and we know Friday will be the same.

“We’re coming into it in a really good place and looking forward to it, but we respect Pat's.

“They’ve got good players, especially in the attacking part of the pitch.” 

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers hope to have ex-Inter Milan tyro Kevin Zefi registered in time to face Bohemians.

"The lads here have a huge hunger and the ambition here both on and off the pitch is huge,” said 21-year-old Zefi.

“That was a big attraction for me and it's a massive opportunity for me to make a difference.” 

Dawson Devoy will start for Bohemians before linking up with the Ireland squad for their trip to face Canada in Montreal next Friday.

Already in the set-up is goalkeeper Conor Brann and he’s set to miss the hosting by runaway leaders Cork City of Finn Harps at Turner’s Cross.