O’Neill said: “We’re looking forward to the game. I think it’s important to get a win in the match before the break, because you take the results with you for the few weeks.

“Drogheda seem to have responded to the new manager coming in, and they have been doing well lately. But we’ll be expected to set the tempo of the game, and should have a good bit of possession. Hopefully we can use it and finish the first half of the season well.”

Paul Crowley returns to the Drogheda squad while Robbie Martin, Darragh McNamara and Jamie Harris are all out for tonight’s clash.

Damien Brennan remains a doubt at this stage and is unlikely to figure.

New Drogheda boss Darius Kierans said: “Any game against Shamrock Rovers is going to be tough. Michael has his team set up and they will be looking to push on and move back up the table.

“But we will be confident going up there. We were a little unlucky on Friday night, but if we keep our work rate and commitment the same then we will be in a good position to challenge.”