“In previous rounds we have been able to give younger players some game-time and that’s the way a lot of clubs would treat this competition. But it is a chance for silverware, and we’ll approach the game in the manner that we’ve done throughout the season and we’ll be going all-out to try and win the game.”

Bohemians have this season kept up their good record of recent years against Shamrock Rovers, with a win at home and a draw away in the league.

“But records and form count for nothing when the next game comes around. We will have to concentrate on getting our performance right on Friday. It’s a head-to-head and we’ll see who comes out on top,” said Long.

Dave Mulcahy returns from ankle injury and Keith Buckley from suspension. Jake Kelly is cup-tied and James O’Brien (ankle) is ruled out. Anto Murphy (groin) has been training but may not be fully fit. Stephen Best (quad strain) and Derek Prendergast (knock in training) are expected to be available.

Bohemians have won the Leinster Senior Cup 31 times, more than any other club. These wins stretch back to 1893-94, the second time the competition took place. Bohemians also won the cup in the five following years. They got to keep the trophy, which is displayed in Dalymount Park.

Bohs last won the Leinster Senior Cup in 1997-98. In this 125th anniversary year, a 32nd win would be especially welcome.

“We have a responsibility to ourselves and to the club to put in a performance every time we cross the line. The players have been reminded of that this week” said Long.

“We have to show respect for the league too. Every club below us is scrapping for points and we’ve got to make sure we’re fully committed in each game.”

Last Friday’s draw against Longford Town was a “missed opportunity”, according to Long. “With a full complement of players, we could have gone and won that game. It’s difficult to implement what you’re trying to do when you’re down to ten men and the momentum of the game changes.”

Bohemians’ work-rate and commitment in games have not weakened in any way, and midfielder Keith Buckley has set an example in that respect.

“He has become something of a legend in the club because of his travelling exploits [on bicycle] to and from Dalymount Park and I like how he has connected with the supporters,” said Long.

“He is very influential for us. His honesty and his work-rate are there for all to see. But I also want to see, as he develops, that the final pass becomes better.

“We’ve seen glimpses of that this season, like the pass he played against Shamrock Rovers in the build-up to our goal which he might not have played previously.

“But if we are looking for someone that epitomises the club at this time, we need look no further than Keith.”

The Bohemian manager was disappointed that the referee last Friday “put himself under pressure with soft yellow cards early in the game” but he was also disappointed that Buckley made a rash tackle when he was already on a yellow.

Buckley serves an automatic suspension this weekend. Anto Murphy is again sidelined with a groin injury along with James O’Brien who picked up a knock in training.

Dave Mulcahy is also doubtful having gone off with an ankle injury last week. Derek Pender and Marc Griffin, the long-term injured, remain out.

Dan Byrne returned to the matchday squad last week after nearly 18 months out of the game with a knee injury, apart from a very short interlude earlier this season. He has been in full training for three weeks, but is still building full strength and confidence to make him ready for a return.

“It has been very tough for Dan but I hope we’ll see him back in the team before the end of the season,” his manager said.

On the half hour mark Bohs got the games first shot on target courtesy of Akinade. A flick on saw him race between Longford’s centre half pairing but with the angle against him he cut back inside only to see his shot end up in the keepers arms.
Soon after Buckley found himself on the wrong side of the referee and was shown a second yellow. This would prove to be the catalyst for the game and within a minute of Buckley’s sending off the Gypsies found themselves in front.

Man of the match and former Birmingham City player Paddy Kavanagh picked the ball up just inside the Longford half and began one of his trademark runs. With space at a premium he cut inside three Longford men and unleashed a powerful left foot shot from all of twenty five yards which the Longford keeper could only watch nestle into his net.

However, the home sides joy was to be short lived as Longford got themselves back on level terms shortly after from a corner kick. The Bohemians defense could only watch as Haverty’s looping header came off the underside of the bar and in to the net. The goal was greeted with loud cheers by the boisterous Longford contingent.

The second half proved a stalemate as Longford were happy to sit back and hit Bohs on the break. Paddy Kavanagh proved to be his side’s best outlet and came close on a couple of occasions with some mazy runs. In the end a draw seemed a fair result although the Gypsies will feel the loss of Buckley early on cost them three points.

Next up for the Gypsies is a trip to face Drogheda United on the 25th of September, kick-off 7.45pm.

With a week off competitive football, due to a disappointingly early exit from the FAI Cup, Bohemians have Jake Kelly (hamstring) fully fit but Anto Murphy (abdomen) is a doubt for Friday. Murphy “put his body on the line”, when he played through pain in the Tallaght draw two weeks ago.

Bohemians’ defence kept Shamrock Rovers to a single goal despite missing stalwarts Roberto Lopes and Derek Prendergast through suspension. Both return this week, though the manager must sit out his second game in the stands, completing a two-game suspension.

Bohemians’ long-term injured – Derek Pender, Dan Byrne and Marc Griffin – remain out.

Partly through necessity, some squad members have had game-time in recent weeks after months on the bench. Dylan Hayes and Jason Caffrey have had chances and Long will aim to give these and others game-time between now and the end of season.

“Dylan has come into the team and done well. I was pleased how he played against Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers. We’ll take it one game at a time but I’m sure there will be opportunities for players between now and the end of the season to make a claim for next year,” Long said.

“There are six games left, and there is a bigger picture, but our goal is to get the maximum points from the remaining games. We’ll do whatever it takes to achieve that but we’ll also have one eye on what might take shape for next season.”

“We are delighted to be working alongside Bohs on this issue and hope this event will inspire other clubs to take proactive steps towards welcoming new communities and fostering integration. Clubs and spaces like Bohs offer a place for people to come together and we hope that anyone who believes in an Ireland of welcomes will get behind the message being sent out on the 18th.”

Daniel Lambert, Bohemian FC Director, said: “Bohemian FC is acutely aware of the enormity of the refugee crisis unfolding across Europe. As a club we would like to take this concrete action, both to support the invaluable work of the IRC, and to reflect the will of our members and supporters in assisting those in flight. As a club we are fully democratic, inclusive, progressive, and welcoming to all and this is reflected in the numerous actions the club, and its supporters, continuously take on wider social issues.”

Keith Long, first-team manager Bohemian FC, said: “Supporters and players for Bohemians have come from a wide range of backgrounds over the club’s lifetime. We want the club and Dalymount Park to be a welcoming home for all.”