Host of Hoops players missing for cup tie against UCD
UCD and Shamrock Rovers go head to head for a place in the quarter-finals of this year’s FAI Ford Cup when they meet at the UCD Bowl tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.
The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Tallaght Stadium last week and the winners will face Sligo Rovers in the last eight.
Sean Harding is a doubt for the Students as he is struggling with a knee injury, while there are also concerns over Ger Barron (neck) and David O’Connor (hamstring).
Ciaran Nangle remains absent from Martin Russell’s side as he is ruled out with shin issues.
College boss Russell said: “It is another great opportunity for ourselves to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the country.
“We proved we can match Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght and we will be looking to continue our progress in the FAI Cup.
“We know it is going to be difficult after the tremendous efforts put in on Saturday night against Drogheda United, but we have the ability to make it happen.”
Dean Kelly (groin), Ken Oman (knee) and Conor McCormack (knee) all remain out of the Hoops squad.
Karl Moore is cup-tied, while Jim Paterson and Rohan Ricketts are not eligible, as they did not sign for the club in time to be eligible for this round of the competition.
There are doubts over Ryan Thompson (thigh) and Gary Twigg (hip), while Pat Flynn is suspended.
Enda Stevens is not available due to a family bereavement.
Rovers manager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s disappointing for us that the game had to go to a replay. We really should have finished the job last week and not let them back into it.
“But we are very keen to progress to the next round. The cup means a lot to the club. And we’ll be going out there to win the game.
“We do have quite a few out, but we’ll use our squad and we should have enough to finish the job.”
