“It’s going to be a massive game”
Rovers defender Gannon predicting another titanic Dublin derby with St Pat’s
By Daire Walsh
SHAMROCK Rovers defender Sean Gannon is confident the Hoops can maintain their recent good run of form when southside rivals St Patrick’s Athletic pay a visit to the Tallaght Stadium in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division tomorrow evening.
Having previously recorded just one victory in four games – a sequence of fixtures that began with a 1-0 away reversal to Pat’s – Stephen Bradley’s defending champions recently claimed back-to-back triumphs on the road at the expense of Finn Harps and Shelbourne.
They required an 89th minute goal from Aaron Greene to secure a 2-1 success against the latter last Friday, but Gannon believes the Hoops are a galvanised outfit as a result.
“We’ve had a few good results on the bounce now. I think our performances are getting better all the time.” he told The Echo.
“Obviously Dublin derbies are very tough games. Form probably plays a bit of a part, but not all, because it’s hard to go to a sold-out Tolka Park and win. We’re delighted that we did and obviously Aaron’s goal sets us off onto a bit of a run now.
“The week before in Finn Harps we had another good performance. We’re going into the game confident, but we know it’s going to be very tough. Pat’s are a very good side. The games have been very close between us. It’s going to be another massive game and a massive crowd,” he acknowledged.
During a single season with St Pat’s back in 2013, Gannon earned himself a League of Ireland Premier Division title under the tutelage of Perrystown native Liam Buckley.
There have been some difficult campaigns for the Inchicore men since, but they did get their hands on the FAI Cup in 2021 and are third in the top-flight table ahead of tomorrow’s showdown.
“They’re a very strong team and they’re obviously in a good place themselves. Again, one thing I’ve noticed since coming back to the club [for his second spell with Rovers] is just how tough the Dublin derbies are to win.
“We need to bring all parts of our performance to the game. Obviously Pat’s are in a very good place at the moment, but so are we. I think it all bodes well for a good game.”
Due to some bad luck with injury, Gannon’s game time has been somewhat limited thus far this season. Last Friday’s win over Shelbourne was just his second competitive start of 2022, although he has featured three times off the bench.
He slotted nicely into the back-three alongside Lee Grace and Sean Hoare the last day, however, and is hopeful of retaining his spot for Rovers’ tantalising meeting with the Saints.
“I’m just happy to play and help the team towards a win. You look at our squad and there’s competition for places all over. I’m happy to start and that’s just for me to get back up to speed. Keep training well and put my name forward. That’s all I can do,” he said.