Shamrock Rovers – Dundalk Preview: Lilywhites hoping to maintain title push

Daire Walsh

Stephen O’Donnell insists that nothing is won yet ahead of what he expects will be a tough game against his former club

Dundalk will be aiming to take the next step towards a third consecutive Premier Division title when they face Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium.

Although this is an away fixture for the Lilywhites, it has become an adopted home in Europe for Stephen Kenny’s charges, who are four points clear at the summit of the top-flight following their home victory over main challengers Cork City on Tuesday evening.

A hectic schedule is proving to be a major test of the Co Louth squad, and in addition to the absence of Robbie Benson and Sean Gannon to groin and calf injuries respectively, Patrick McEleney (hip) and ex-Rovers striker Ciaran Kilduff (concussion) are also doubtful for the trip to south Dublin.

Dundalk skipper Stephen O’Donnell was previously a league title winner with Rovers back in 2011, and despite finding themselves in pole position with five games remaining, the Galway native is expecting a difficult game from his former team.

“There is nothing won yet. We have five tough games now and we have the European match as well, so it won’t be easy,” O’Donnell told dundalkfc.com. “Shamrock Rovers took a point off us a month ago, so we know they will be difficult and Tallaght isn’t easy to go to, but we re looking to get the win.”

Since sharing the spoils with Dundalk in a 1-1 draw on September 20, Rovers have had a mixed run of form in the league. A 4-2 win against Galway United was followed by a stalemate with Derry City, before they suffered a disappointing reversal to arch rivals Bohemians in Phisborough last Friday evening.

Following his exploits with the Republic of Ireland U19s last week, Trevor Clarke is expected to make a welcome return for the fourth-placed Hoops.

Meanwhile, arising from his dismissal against Bohs, Patrick Cregg will sit out this game through suspension, and though Luke Byrne is out for the remainder of the 2016 season, Aaron Dobbs may feature – if he can shake off a recent injury complaint.