“We had to work really hard for the points in United Park the last time, so we know we will have to produce a resilient performance again if we are to come away with the right result.”

An early exit from the FAI Cup saw Bohs go last weekend without a fixture and Long says his players are keen to get back on the pitch.

He said: “It’s been stop-start with the way the cup has been scheduled this year. But we’ve had plenty of tough training sessions instead and we’re ready to go.”

Long has also challenged his side to show more of a killer instinct in front of goal.

Last time out a fortnight ago, his side dominated Galway United in the first half but were disappointed to go in at the break leading by just one goal.

Bohs failed to carry the first-half tempo into the second period as Galway fought back to earn a 1-1 draw.

Long added: “The Galway first and second-half performances were like night and day. It was a reflection of our season in some ways.

“We were excellent in the first half but we need that for the full 90 minutes and we need to be more clinical in front of goal when chances present themselves.

TEAM NEWS

Lorcan Fitzgerald, whose free-kick set up Byrne’s winner at United Park last time out, misses out with a knee injury picked up in training.

Dylan Hayes (groin) and Ian Morris (suspension) return to the squad but Eoin Wearen (cruciate) remains out.

“We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve four home league games now between now and the end of the season and we want to improve our record at Dalymount.”

After the highs of beating both rivals Shamrock Rovers and champions-elect Cork City away in quick succession, Bohs were left reeling after an extra-time FAI Cup exit away to Finn Harps, which was followed by a defeat away to Limerick in the league.

Long said: “We’ve been disappointing in our last two games. We didn’t hit the levels we had shown we are capable of, which was frustrating.

“We felt we left points behind us in Limerick but our performance wasn’t what it should have been.”

There are only eight points between sixth-placed Bohs and 11th-place Galway, with everyone acutely aware that the division’s congested table can change very quickly.

Long said: “We want to consolidate our league position and we want to get back to winning ways.

“Galway have good quality in their side but we have to concentrate on our own performance.”

With both sides out of the cup, Bohs and Derry City faced off in a friendly at Dalymount Park last Saturday, which finished 2-2.

Long was suitably impressed with the performances of Under-19 players JR Wilson and Cian McMullen – the latter netted Bohs’ equaliser – off the bench that he has promoted them to the first-team squad.

Long added: “It was important to have that game. It means players won’t be cold against Galway.

“Some of them wouldn’t have played for three weeks had we not had a game.

“Graham Lawlor is doing great work with the Under-19s. They’re top of the league and it’s important we try and give players an opportunity to show what they can do.

“JR and Cian came on and did well. They deserved their chance with the first team.”

TEAM NEWS

Ian Morris (suspended) and Dylan Hayes (groin) are both out.

Eoin Wearen (cruciate) remains out but it is hoped he will resume full training this week.

Oscar Brennan and Paddy Kavanagh return to the squad after suspension as does Dinny Corcoran who missed the trip to Limerick due to family commitments.

Long said: “We all know we’ve got to pick ourselves up, we have no other choice.

“The lads were devastated at the manner of the defeat in Ballybofey, you could feel that in training on Sunday.

“But we have refocused now. There’s been a bright and positive atmosphere in training since.”

While Bohs are currently in the top half, only six points now separate them and the relegation zone after tonight’s results.

Such is the congested nature of the table that nobody has stopped looking over their shoulders yet.

Long added: “We’ve eight really important games between now and the end of the season.

“We are not out of the woods yet, despite our current position.

“But our recent league form has given us every reason to feel positive.

“Limerick are a team in and around us so it’s important we try and give a performance capable of getting a result.

“Our form has been decent away from home so we have to go and give a good account of ourselves.”

TEAM NEWS

Oscar Brennan and Paddy Kavanagh are suspended.

With goalkeeper Greg Murray (hand) out for the rest of the season, Colin McCabe, signed from Celtic, will take his place on the bench.

Eoin Wearen (cruciate) remains out.

“It’s one of the toughest draws, one of the toughest opponents.There will be a big crowd behind them.

“We’re going there as underdogs. Harps will be favourites.”

Bohs have faced Finn Harps twice already this season with the Gypsies claiming the spoils at Dalymount Park in April.

But they were left frustrated by their performance when the sides met in Ballybofey last month when a bolshy Harps display saw them come out 2-1 winners.

Bohs have picked themselves up since with seven points from their last three games but nobody is getting carried away.

Long said: “We know what to expect to a certain extent having played against Harps quite recently but this is a cup game and previous results and performances will have no bearing.

“They’re a very good team with some excellent players and we have to be very wary of the threats that they possess and the problems they can cause you.

“We’ll go there with an attacking mindset and will channel all our energies into trying to win the game.

“There’s confidence in the team just now but we have to perform to the maximum.

“If we play like we did the last time in Ballybofey, we will come away with nothing.

“If we play like we have over the course of our last three games, we will give ourselves a chance.”

Bohs’ confidence levels received a further lift today when Fuad Sule was named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July.

The 20-year-old, who alongside Warren O’Hora and Oscar Brennan last week signed a new contract to remain at the club until the end of next season, hasn’t looked back since breaking into the first team in April.

But his performances in the memorable victories against Shamrock Rovers and Cork City last month stood out in particular.

Long added: “We are really pleased for Fuad. It’s a personal accolade that he deserves for the impact he’s made since coming into the team but it’s also recognition for the efforts of his team-mates too.”

TEAM NEWS

Dan Casey (ankle), Greg Murray (hand) and Eoin Wearen (cruciate) remain out.

But Warren O’Hora (concussion) will return to the squad.

Coming on the back of three defeats, those results have seen the Gypsies move up to sixth in the table. Victory against Bray would see them overtake Harry Kenny’s side in fifth.

But manager Long is urging caution. Some harsh lessons this season have taught Bohs not to look too far ahead in what is still an extremely congested league table.

He said: “To get six points from those two games was massive for us. The players were excellent but our challenge all season has been trying to maintain consistency.

“Those wins were much-needed too after three defeats beforehand but it’s important that we keep our feet on the ground.

“We have to strive to maintain those performance levels. Those wins are in the past and we have a fresh challenge now.”

Long believes that mantra is now ingrained in his players now too.

He said: “We’ve put ourselves in a good position to finish the season strongly and that is a massive incentive for everyone.

“As well as the performances and the results, one of the most pleasing things was the attitude of the players afterwards.

“They weren’t patting themselves on the back – they were already fully focused on Friday’s game.”

The off-field upheaval at Bray Wanderers is well documented but Long believes they are ready to draw a line under that now the distraction of the transfer window has passed.

Long added: “Bray have been in the top four or five all season. They’re there for a reason.

“They are an excellent side. They’ve had a difficult month off the field but now the transfer window is closed, they will be able to refocus on the rest of the season.

“But we just have to focus on our own performance first and make sure, collectively our performance is as good as it can be.”

TEAM NEWS

Defenders Dan Casey (ankle) and Warren O’Hora, who was carried off on a stretcher on Monday suffering from concussion, are both ruled out.

Greg Murray (hand) and Eoin Wearen (cruciate) remain on the sidelines.

But skipper Derek Pender (hamstring) and Paddy Kavanagh (rib), who both sat out Monday’s game, are available once more for selection.