It is the last time the sides will meet in the league this season but the home crowd will be hoping the fixture will repeat itself in two weeks’ time, with the winners of Wednesday’s FAI Cup quarter-final between Derry City and Bohs drawn to host John Caulfield’s side on Sunday September 30 in the last four of the competition.

Long said: “We desperately hope that this is not our final game against them this season. But we’re not thinking any further ahead than tomorrow’s game.”

Long and his team have every right to be confident. But it is not in the manager’s make-up to allow himself or his team get ahead of themselves despite their recent form.

He said: “They are champions, we are the underdogs. Cork are a strong, well-organised, talented team with some outstanding players. We will have to play to our maximum to get a result but if we can manage to do that, we know that they are capable.

“It feels like forever since our last home game against Limerick on August 3 but we have had the considerable consolation of winning the five games we have played away from home in the intervening period.

“We have been on a great run of form recently, losing only once way to Dundalk. This run has provided the players with great confidence and belief. Our performances have been really pleasing and we have played some good attacking football.

“But the most impressive aspect has been the players’ focus, determination and attitude towards every game. Being able to pick a settled team has also been very helpful and obviously results have meant changes have been kept to a minimum.”

That was the case until the Gypsies travelled to Scotland last weekend.

The trip to Peterhead, less than an hour outside Aberdeen, brought back memories of Bohs’ breakthrough season 18 years ago when they became the first Irish side to knock a Scottish club out of Europe. That provided the springboard for the club’s first league and cup double in 73 years that season and kicked off the most successful decade – on the field that is – in our history.

Like Roddy Collins’ trailblazers in 2000, Bohs trained on the eve of the game at Cove Rangers’ ground. And there was another link in the opposition dugout too – Peterhead gaffer Jim McInally, briefly manager of Sligo Rovers in 1999, was Collins’ opposition scout ahead of that famous victory against Aberdeen in Pittodrie.

The club is in a different place, the stakes were considerably lower and the victory in Scotland’s north-east less memorable this time around, but it was an enjoyable new experience and an important game in its own right nonetheless.

With such a settled side in recent weeks, it afforded Long the opportunity to reward players who have shone for the club’s U19s and who came from behind to win the Enda McGuill Cup against St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park nine days ago as well as allowing him give others in need of game-time a runout as well.

But it was the only survivor from the starting line-up a week previously, Kevin Devaney, who proved the matchwinner at Balmoor Stadium in a positive performance in which Bohs were never under serious threat and could have won by a greater margin.

Long said: “Modern football is very much a squad game and those who have not been playing regularly recently are as important as those who have been. The motivation within the group is high. The lads have been pushing extremely hard in training, showing great hunger to get back into the team.

“That was demonstrated in Peterhead. We made 10 changes to the team that beat Derry the week previously and the boys who came in put in a terrific shift against unfamiliar opposition who adopted a very direct and abrasive approach to the game.

“We very much deserved to win the game and with a little more composure with our final pass and finishing, we could have won by more.

“It was a good experience for the players and we were able to offer a debut to Robbie McCourt in central midfield along with more valuable first-team experience for Ryan Graydon, Ali Reghba and Andy Lyons, both of whom went directly from Scotland to join the Ireland U19s for Tuesday’s win against Wales.”

That trio will be honoured alongside their Bohs U19 team-mates tomorrow when Craig Sexton’s Enda McGuill champions are paraded on the pitch at half-time.

Long said: “Our 19s team received confirmation of our participation in Europe on the back of winning the league last season and they were at it again last Tuesday in the McGuill Cup.

“For me, they are up there in terms of one of the best underage teams this club has seen. Brilliantly coached by Craig Sexton and his backroom staff, they are a credit to the club.”

Team news

Ryan Masterson (quad) and Danny Grant (bug) will sit this one out. Darragh Leahy (groin) is a doubt. Ryan Swan (cruciate) remains out.

“We’re not overly familiar with the opposition obviously but we’ve done as much homework on them as we can.”

The absence of Supple, Casey and Kelly has created openings in Long’s squad and, buoyed by the club’s U19 team lifting the Enda McGuill Cup on Tuesday, he had no qualms adding further members of Craig Sexton’s side to his travelling party.

Members of the U19 panel have already tasted first-team action in the league this season, most notably Danny Grant, who has chipped in with important goals and assists since being handed his first-team debut off the bench against Dundalk in March.

Similarly, 18-year-old Andy Lyons displayed maturity beyond his years when thrown in at the deep end at right-back in place of the suspended skipper Derek Pender in recent league games against Bray Wanderers and Dundalk.

Both travel with the first team today and they will be joined by U19 team-mates Seán Bohan and, for the first time in the senior squad, Ali Reghba and Ryan Graydon.

Reghba was the man of the match in the Enda McGuill Cup final as his two goals in two minutes in the second half turned the game on its head and claimed a 2-1 win for Bohs away to St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park.

They move up to a senior team in form too. Last Friday’s 2-0 win against Derry City in the Brandywell made it six wins from their last seven games – losing only to league leaders Dundalk – and having kept six clean sheets while scoring 26 goals in the process.

Long said: “It’s important we try bring players through and we’ve shown we will give them an opportunity when it’s right for the player and the team.

“The U19s have been, in my view, the best team in the country at this level for two seasons. They are a credit to the club.

“They are a very tight group who have gone and won the cup having come from behind, are competing strongly in the league having won it last year and are on course to reach the semi-finals of the league again.

“The U19 league has only been around for the past six years but between the old reserve and U21 leagues, this U19 team over the past two seasons probably rank as the best underage team the club has ever had.

“They train alongside the first team, which creates an inclusive environment, and the know exactly what it means to play for Bohemians.

“But I think people at the club realise how good they’ve been too. Bohs members and fans know the contribution to the club that’s being made by those working at underage level.

“That was shown on Tuesday. There was a good crowd at the final in Richmond and a significant number were Bohemians people there to support the team.”

While all that hard work has not gone unnoticed within the club, the U19s qualifying for the UEFA Youth League in addition to the silverware won this year and last brings deserved recognition from further afield.

Tuesday’s UEFA Youth League draw will see the Gypsies travelling to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland on Wednesday October 3 before hosting them three weeks later in the return leg at Dalymount Park.

Long said: “We’re delighted we are in Europe. It’s a great opportunity for Craig and the players.

“Without screaming it from the rooftops, the work that goes on with our underage teams has been excellent so it’s pleasing to see that rewarded.

“It’s a new challenge, European football will be a massive step up in terms of quality and it will be different level to what the lads experience domestically.

“It’s huge for the club too and something we all want to build on. Between the U19s’ success and the players coming through, we hope that more players will see Bohs as a club where they can fulfill their ambitions.

“But first and foremost it’s a reward for Craig, his backroom team, his players and for everyone who’s been working hard behind the scenes at youth level and also a credit to the work that’s been done by Jimmy Mowlds and his team with the U17s – feeding players up to the U19s.

“The partnership with St Kevin’s and working closely with them will only improve that.

“St Kevin’s have been producing players for years with many ex-Kevin’s players in our U19s and first team so that link is already there from before.

“It is also important to recognise the part other schoolboy clubs and coaches have played in helping our lads reach this point in their careers.”

TEAM NEWS

Dan Kelly and Dan Casey (exams) have been excused from the travelling party as has Shane Supple (rest).

U19s players included in the squad are Danny Grant, Seán Bohan, Andy Lyons and, for the first time, Ali Reghba and Ryan Graydon.

Cristian Magerusan (hamstring), Ryan Masterson (leg) and Ryan Swan (cruciate) are ruled out.

The Gypsies needed all three of the remaining Champions League play-off games last Wednesday to go their way for Ireland to qualify through the Domestic Champions Path. Qualification was looking unlikely until Red Bull Salzburg squandered a 2-0 lead to lose out to Red Star Belgrade on away goals.

Former Bohemians goalkeeper Sexton said: “When we found out that we’d be in Europe, the first priority was to try keep the lads focused on tomorrow’s game.

“Obviously we were all absolutely delighted to qualify but we’ve stopped any talk of Europe among the players until after the final. But it’s great for the team and for the club as a whole too.

“Initially I thought we needed Red Bull Salzburg to win so I was cheering them on in the first half until I was put right! Thankfully the results just about went our way.”

Bohs will be in Group 2 of the Domestic Champions Path at tomorrow’s draw. That means they will play one of Chelsea (ENG), Anderlecht (BEL), FC Admira (AUT), Midtjylland (DEN), Elfsborg (SWE), Molde (NOR) or KR (ISL).

The draw takes place from 1pm Irish time. First round first and second legs are due to be played Wednesday October 3 and Wednesday October 24 respectively. The draw for the second round will also take place tomorrow.

Sexton said: “We don’t have a preference about who we’d like to play really.

“Obviously the likes of Chelsea would probably see a massive crowd in Dalymount but then from a team point of view, it would be good for the players to maybe take on a team from further afield and experience something different. But we’ve an open mind about whoever we face.”

Before Sexton and his players can start thinking of Europe, however, they’ve the short trip across town to face St Pat’s and with the Saints top of the Northern Division of the U19 league, they are expecting a tough challenge.

Sexton said: “We’ve only played St Pat’s once this season and they’ve beaten us, they’re six points ahead of us in the division and they’re at home. They will be favourites.

“When we played them at IT Blanchardstown in May, St Pat’s scored twice in the last seven minutes to win 3-1. It was a tight game up until then. We’ve had good battles with St Pat’s in recent seasons and I expect it will be another tight game tomorrow.

“It’s a final, a one-off game so anything can happen. We will be going there determined and focused.”

While silverware would be a welcome added bonus, Sexton is clear about what the objective is at this stage of player development.

The expansion of the national leagues to underage levels in recent seasons has seen League of Ireland clubs take an interest in developing players from a younger age than ever before.

Bohs’ efforts have been bolstered by joining forces with St Kevin’s Boys. They play under the joint umbrella of Bohs-SKB at U15 and U17 level so far and at U13 level in the near future, providing a clear player development pathway from youth level to senior level.

Sexton added: “For us, the priority is developing players to a level that they’re ready for Keith Long and the first team.

“We’ve had Danny Grant, Andy Lyons and Paddy Kirk all play for the first team in the league this season.

“We’ve others knocking on the door too – Steven Nolan, who made his first-team debut last season, and others like Promise Omochere too.

“We want to develop players the right way. Getting players to a good enough standard to play in the first team is our No 1 priority.

“This is the U19s’ third final in three seasons so far – the Shield in 2016, the league last year and now the Enda McGuill Cup – so we feel we have had a group that have developed a mindest and togetherness.

“They’ve done exceptionally well and the season doesn’t hinge on tomorrow’s game. They can be extremely proud of their efforts and results over the course of the year so far.

“There’s great belief within the squad, a determination to do well and to improve further.”

That win made it five wins from their last six games – losing only to Dundalk – and having kept five clean sheets while scoring 24 goals in the process.

Long said: “I thought we were very good down in Galway, my only complaint was we could have scored more.

“The application of the players was spot on. Galway were a different proposition to what we’re used to. They defended deep and that allowed us a lot of possession.

“We created a lot of chances – we hit the crossbar, missed a penalty – so we were pleased with the performance overall.

“We were all delighted to progress. It’s obviously a competition we all want to do well in. But that’s last week, it’s in the past, we’ve another game to try win now.”

Long has strengthened his squad ahead of the trip north with the addition of Robbie McCourt.

The 20-year-old, a product of St Kevin’s, joins the club having spent the last three years with West Brom.

Long said: “Robbie’s a very good footballer. He can play centre-back and at left-back but I’ve brought him to the club primarily believing he can operate as a defensive midfielder for us.

“He’s a very talented player and was much sought-after when he was at St Kevin’s before going to West Brom.

“It’ll obviously take time for a player coming home from England to adapt to first-team football, players can find that transition more difficult than they had anticipated.

“But obviously we hope he clicks quickly – we don’t have as many games as you would like for a player to kick in.

“He’s great prospect and wants to do well. He’s a local lad too, from Glasnevin. He’s a technical player, very good on the ball and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Another recent addition to the squad, Ryan Masterson, made his first-team debut as a late substitute in last Friday’s game in Galway.

Long added: “Ryan has pace and power. He gives us something different in attack.

“Again he’s joined up with us at a time of season where you’re running out of games to impress but he’s been excellent in training and has given us something to think about.”

TEAM NEWS

Cristian Magerusan (hamstring) is ruled out. Ryan Swan (cruciate) remains out.

Long said: “The upturn in our form is no coincidence. We’ve been able to plan and recover properly playing games Friday-Friday as opposed to earlier in the season when we were playing Friday-Monday-Friday.

“Being able to plan for games consistently is very important and it’s played a big part in our results.

“We’ve been on a good run recently but tomorrow is a very important game for the club and it’s important we maintain those standards if we want to progress in the cup.”

The high tempo and energy-sapping nature of the Dublin Derby has at times in recent years seen Bohs struggle to reach the same heights in subsequent games but Long is confident this week’s recovery and preparations will ensure that the Gypsies will be well-primed.

He said: “I don’t think that’s going to be a factor for us.

“We were up in Derry on a Monday after the last time beating Rovers whereas this time we’ve recovered well on the Saturday and got back into our normal training schedule for the week.

“We had to win for our own reasons last week too – it wasn’t just because it was a derby. We wanted to put some distance between ourselves and the play-off spot and we managed to do so.

“Everyone was obviously in good spirits in training this week but everyone knows last week is in the past now. Tomorrow is a different game and a very important one.”

Bohs notched up a stunning 7-0 win in the last round in Ferrycarrig Park but before that game Long warned that “we can’t go looking ahead dreaming of a cup run without overcoming Wexford first.”

And Long and his troops will travel to Eamonn Deacy Park tomorrow in very much the same frame of mind – First Division sides Drogheda United and Longford Town claiming the scalps of Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers respectively in the previous round a timely reminder to proceed with caution.

Long said: “If you take things for granted in a cup competition, you can very quickly find yourself out of it.

“Galway United is a club geared towards being a Premier Division club. They have some excellent players, excellent facilities and an excellent pitch.

“They will have been happy with a home draw so we will be going down there taking absolutely nothing for granted.

“Anything can happen in a one-off cup game. The onus is on us to go down there and impose our game-plan on Galway.

“They’ll have a big support behind them but I think we will too.

“This is a competition everyone at the club wants to do well in and know they’ll be right behind us down there. We’re looking forward to it.”

TEAM NEWS

Kevin Devaney (septum) misses out. Rob Cornwall (hamstring) returns. Ryan Swan (cruciate) remains sidelined.