BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 12 June, 7.35pm
Bohemians have to put Tuesday’s defeat behind them quickly and put in a “big performance” in another Dublin derby, according to manager Keith Long.
For the third time in seven days Bohemians face top-five opposition when Shamrock Rovers come to Dalymount. But Long is confident his team can quickly get over the disappointment of Tuesday’s game.
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“We’re not in bad form because of one defeat. We have put Tuesday’s loss behind us, and I expect the players to put in a big performance on Friday night against out fiercest rivals,” he said.
“It’s a quick turn-around and we can’t dwell on the Pat’s result. In training, the lads have been bright and breezy and cannot wait for Friday’s game.”
Long considers that the big demand of the schedule on a part-time squad, the injuries in the squad, and St Patrick’s Athletic finding their best form all contributed to Tuesday’s loss.
“Overall, we’ve got to be positive. We put in a great performance up in Dundalk, not so good on Tuesday. But you have to give credit to Pat’s as well, who are a very good side and who have found their rhythm of late.”
Rovers come to this game after high-scoring victories at home against Derry City and Sligo Rovers in the past week.
“They’ll be full of confidence coming to Dalymount Park, and wanting the win. But from our perspective, we’ve got to make sure our players want it more than they do. It can come down to that in a derby game,” said Long.
“Friday’s is a massive game for us, one we’ve been looking forward to all season and the players will need no motivation for it.”
Long expects to have Dave Mulcahy back, having missed Tuesday’s game with a calf injury, and possibly Anto Murphy (ankle). Stephen Best, who got a kick in the head against Dundalk, will be available for Friday. But Robbie Creevy who was subbed in the first half against St Patrick’s Athletic is likely to be out with a groin injury.
Longer-term absentee Paddy Kavanagh (knee) will be sidelined until after the summer break, and Dan Byrne has had a set-back in his return to action. He came on as a sub in the FAI Cup match against Firhouse Celtic two weeks ago after a long absence with cruciate injury. But he is out again, probably for a month, with a knee cartilage problem.
Marc Griffin (cruciate) and Derek Pender (Achilles) remain on the long-term injury list.