Shelbourne -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Seamus Egan
• Thu, Aug 29 2013




SHELBOURNE

Second from bottom Shelbourne will take on Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park in the Airtricity Premier League on Friday night (kick off 8.p.m).

 

Shelbourne qualified for the quarter final of the FAI Cup with a 1-0 win over College Corinthians last Friday night. However they lost their last league game by the same scoreline against St Patrick's Athletic the previous week.

 

Shelbourne will be without the injured Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery. Robert Bayly has returned to full training and is available for selection. Brian Gannon is also available after suspension.


However Glenn Cronin will miss out because of suspension after picking up four yellow cards. Shelbourne were narrowly beaten by Shamrock Rovers in their last meeting in the league back on May 24^th just after Johnny McDonnell took over as manager.


SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers are currently 5^th in the table, 17 points behind leaders Saint Patricks Athletic. Rovers were also drawn against Pats in the next round of the FAI Cup.

 

Goalkeeper Richard Brush (shoulder), who has resumed training will not be ready for tomorrow night’s game. Conor Powell (foot), Ronan Finn (groin) and Mark Quigley (knee) are all doubtful for the trip to Drumcondra.

 

Hoops manager Trevor Crolly told the Shamrock Rovers website that he wants his team to focus on the league again after last week’s cup victory over Sheriff YC.

 

“We had a good win in the Cup last week and we’re delighted to be in the quarter-finals. But we’re back to the league this week and we’re just as keen to get a good result tomorrow night. Our aim is to finish as high as we can in the league and get into Europe, so we will need to be getting wins between now and the end of the season. It will be a tough night so we need to remain focused on our aims and put in a good performance.”

 

Referee: Neil Doyle.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Shelbourne’s Sean Brennan is a brother of fellow league of Ireland players, Killian Brennan and Ryan Brennan.

 

Shelbourne were drawn to play against Dundalk in the quarter final of the FAI Cup.

 

Recent Shamrock Rovers signing Richie Ryan made 33 league appearances over two seasons for Dundee United.

 

BETTING

Shelbourne 7/2, Draw 5/2, Shamrock Rovers 3/4.

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-1 Shamrock Rovers.

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Glenn Cronin.

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Richard Brush
Doubtful: Conor Powell, Ronan Finn  and Mark Quigley.
Suspended: None.