League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Jul 31 2014




LIMERICK FC

Martin Russell takes charge of his first home game as Blues manager on Friday night as Limerick FC take on Shamrock Rovers at Thomond Park.

 

The Blues come into this one looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at the hand of Sligo Rovers and while Russell was disappointed with his debut result he insists that he learnt a lot from the defeat.

 

“There were plusses within the performance against Sligo last Sunday but I’m also conscious of areas where we need to improve,” the ex- UCD boss told LimerickFC.ie.

 

Despite The Hoops recent defeat to Drogheda, combined with the fact that they sit nine points behind table toppers Dundalk, Russell doesn’t believe that Shamrock Rovers are out of the title race and insists that his charges will have to be at their best if they are to take anything from Rovers on Friday night.

 

“Shamrock Rovers are still very much in the title race. They have a formidable squad so we know that we’ll have to be at our very best to get anything from this game”

 

Russell arrived in Limerick earlier this month and, while he’s eager to introduce a winning mentality into The Blues dressing room, he knows that it will take time for his plans to come to fruition.

 

“Winning is a great habit to have. We want to get that as quickly as we can. I believe it will come. You can’t expect something that’s been here for a while to change very quickly, but in time I think we’ll go in the right direction.”

 

47 year old, Russell has called for the Limerick faithful to come out in force and rally his charges to a successful end to the season.

 

“Hopefully, the supporters will get behind us and see what we’re trying to do, and hopefully we can go on a successful run-in to the end of the season.”

 

Russell will be without new signing Joseph Ndo for the visit of The Hoops, Colm Murphy is also out with concussion, while Barry Ryan and Darragh Rainsford are back in contention following injury and illness respectively. Kieran Djilali arrived from Sligo during the week and he’ll be in contention, once his registration is confirmed on time.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Like Limerick, Shamrock Rovers travel to Thomond on the back of a disappointing defeat. The Hoops were on the wrong end of a 1-0 score line when they met Drogheda United in Tallaght Stadium last Friday.

 

In contrast to Trevor Croly’s side’s home form, their results away from Tallaght have been exceptional. Rovers have won their last five games on the road and the Hoops’ boss is hopeful that his side can keep up their positive away form and put last week’s disappointment behind them.

 

“We’re all looking forward to the game on Friday night. We’ve won our last five games away from home, so we’re glad to have a good chance of putting last week’s result behind,” Croly explained.

 

Croly knows that there is a positive aura around Limerick at the moment and believes that Martin Russell’s charge’s will provide a stern test for his side, but he insists that his side have a good chance of picking up a positive result on Friday night.

 

“We know that Limerick will be well up for the tie, especially as they have made some additions this week and there should be a feel good factor around the club. But we feel we have a good chance of winning tomorrow night,” The Rovers Boss concluded.

 

Rob Cornwall is back in training following a hamstring injury, but The Hoops defender is not fit enough to be considered for this Friday’s game.

 

Referee: James McKell.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Shamrock Rovers haven’t lost away from home in the league since their defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park back in April.

 

The Hoops have scored 19 goals away from home this season, more than any other premier division club.

 

Limerick have scored just nine goals at home this season. Only Bray Wanderers have scored fewer in the Premier Division with eight.

 

 

BETTING

Limerick 10/3; Draw 13/5; Shamrock Rovers 3/4.

 

PREDCTION

Limerick 1-1 Shamrock Rovers.

 

 

Limerick FC

Injured: Joseph Ndo (knee), Colm Murphy (concussion).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Rob Cornwall (hamstring).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.