“But we need to be better in possession, penetrate more and create goal-scoring opportunities. We didn’t do that enough against Bray. A good result and performance on Friday will give us confidence ahead of our league fixture in Dundalk the following week,”
Long has to prepare for this cup tie and for the rest of the season without captain Derek Pender who faces an operation next week for an Achilles injury.

“Derek has been a huge player for us. He may not be the most vociferous of captains but when he talks, people listen. He leads by example in his displays and to have his influence taken away at this stage is very disappointing,” said Long.

Dave Mulcahy (hamstring) was injured in the EA Sports Cup replay against Galway and is out for the FAI Cup tie, as are Anto Murphy (ankle) and Paddy Kavanagh (knee), both injured in last Friday’s game.

Dean Delany is available again, having missed the Bray match through suspension, but substitute goalkeeper Lee Steacy put himself in contention with his clean sheet.

Firhouse Clover are in the FAI Senior Cup on the strength of reaching the semi-final of the FAI Intermediate Cup, where they were knocked out by the eventual trophy-winners Crumlin United. In the first round of the FAI Senior Cup a month ago, Firhouse Clover beat Glenville 1-0.

Firhouse play in the top division of the Leinster Senior League and are currently mid-table. Last weekend they beat Bluebell United to win the Lanigan Cup.

The club was formed in 2007 through the amalgamation of Firhouse Celtic and Clover United, and is based at Tallaght IT sports grounds.