Fenlon talks about derby game

Pat Fenlon met the media at Dalymount Park on Thursday in a specially arranged press conference ahead of the Shamrock Rovers Bohemians Derby.

The former Shamrock Rovers player gave an update on the injury situation at the club ahead of what will be Bohs second Dublin Derby already this season. Midfielder Glenn Cronin, who picked up an injury against Galway in week one has returned to training and has a good chance of starting. Fenlon said "Glen will come back, thats the only real addition to last week". Cronin would certainly add some steel to the Bohs midfield and they dont really have another player of that ilk. It seems that Neale Fenn is ruled out - he too hasnt featured since the Galway game.

Ken Omans participation in training has been severely limited this week due to the centre back being struck down with a virus, and JP Kelly is in the same boat "Id say Ken is definitely out, we will see how John Paul is tomorrow and make a decision then"

Killian Brennan is suspended and long term causalities Thomas Heary and Kevin Hunt wont be in line for a return to action for some time

Jason McGuiness has been had to be content with a place on the bench of late but the former Hoop may be in line for a place in the starting line up seeing as Ken Oman has been ruled out. McGuiness scored a late winner last season in this fixture when his looping header caught Rovers keeper Barry Murphy off guard.

Bohs captain Kevin Hunt continues his recovery from a broken bone in his foot. Nevertheless, the midfielder says confidence in the Bohs squad is high. "They've signed some good players and are in good form, but we go into the game full of confidence. We're in good form ourselves and have bounced back in style from the defeat to Pat's. It's a difficult place to play and i'm gutted to be missing out, but i'll be there in the stands even though I can't play. As long as we get the win though, that's the main thing. I've spoken to a few of the lads during the week and they say that training has been flying."

The game against Rovers on Friday kicks-off what promises to be a difficult month for Bohs, with an away trip to Drogheda and a home meeting with second in the league Derry City to come at the end of April. "It's a tough month coming up but it's got to be played, it's got to be done," said an optimistic Hunt. "You never get it easy and we're just focusing on Friday and getting the win against Rovers. We've nobody to be fearful of in the league. If we stay injury free we'll go very close as we've a lot of good players. But it's ridiculous to start shouting from the rooftops so early in the season. You win leagues by concentrating on the game you've got at hand."

Bohs have already lost one derby this season and there is no doubt that Fenlon understands the importance of the Rovers rivalry to the Dalymount faithful. A win would certainly help the fans to have more confidence in him and his style of football. Having said that, avoiding defeat is the priority.

Bohs looked uncomfortable chasing the game against St Pats. In the three games where they have scored first they have gone on to be victorious.

For more information on what is arguably the leagues biggest derby please see Match Preview and William Hill bets on Shamrock Rovers