Twigg, O’Donnell and Sives out for Rovers
Michael O’Neill
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to stay top of the table when they take on Bohemians at Dalymount Park tonight, kick-off 7.35pm.
The Hoops will be hoping to secure another away win following Monday night’s 2-0 victory over Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.
However, Rovers must plan without Gary Twigg, Stephen O’Donnell and Craig Sives who will all miss the game with hamstring injuries, while Pat Flynn (virus) and Chris Turner (calf) are slight doubts for the match.
Hoops boss Michael O’Neill said: “It’s very positive for us to be going into this game on the back of a performance and result like Monday night’s.
“There has been a lot written and said about how young this Bohs side is, but our team is actually even younger. They also have plenty of experience in their ranks.
“But despite our own youth, we also have plenty of experience in our side, and we have players who have been through many games like this.
“There will be a big away support there, with all our tickets sold-out, and there should be a great atmosphere. Players relish nights like that, and they are all really looking forward to the game.”
Robert Bayly has recovered from a tight hamstring and Lee Dixon is likely to return after a knock to his calf but Bohemians must plan without Ollie Cahill (hamstring), Glenn Cronin (knee), Barry Murphy (groin) and Christy Fagan (hamstring) ruled out.
Gypsies boss Pat Fenlon said: “We got the players together late and we had concerns about fitness and shape. But people can see that their fitness is improving every week and we’re finishing games strongly.
“We’re pleased with the start but now that we’re playing the teams above us we’ll be able to judge better where we can be.
“You know what the importance of this match is to supporters. But you try not to get involved in that. You try to concentrate on getting the job done. If we can nick three points it will be great for us and will give us momentum in this series of tough games.
“This is the first time we’ve had Rovers here on a Friday night for a while. Everybody is looking forward to a Friday game and the fact that the supporters will be quite close to each other should add to the atmosphere. I’d love to see our place full.”
