Derek Pender is urging Bohemians to seize the day when they face Shelbourne in this afternoon’s Extra.ie FAI Cup quarter-final at Tolka Park.
Bohs’ league form has disappointed this year but they have a huge opportunity to salvage their season today.
Pender said: “Our morale is good despite the upheaval there has been in recent weeks. The players are excited about the games ahead.
“They are all determined to look forward instead of looking back.
“We know it is a massive game but the lads have trained well and are really looking forward to it.
“Shels are a good side. They are aggressive and they are a team that is together and that works hard for each other.
“This will be a difficult game as we know from our last game against them that they never give up. We will have to be at our max.”
Following the departure of Keith Long as manager, Bohs rallied and beat rivals and league leaders Shamrock Rovers 1-0 at Dalymount.
But they could not find a way past Derry City nine days ago despite a positive second half display following an unusual first half where both sides struggled to get a hold of the game, which was disrupted by a long stoppage due to an injury to Candystripes defender Ciarán Coll.
Pender added: “The first half against Derry was strange with the long stoppage.
“Neither team really got going – that bit of magic from Michael Duffy was the only bit of play anyone will remember from that half.
“But our second half performance was pleasing. We had chances to get something out of it. Ethon Varian forced a great save and Rory Feely went extremely close.
“The team worked extremely hard for one another, and they need to continue doing that.”
TEAM NEWS
Bohemians are without James Talbot (shoulder), Laurenz Dehl (knee), Johnny Afolabi (quad) and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe (knee). Jordan Flores (hamstring) is available for selection once more.
