Drogheda United -v- Shamrock Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Hunky Dorys Park gets its first exposure live on RTE in several years as a new look Drogheda side host the league champions. There, for the first time in years, is a renewed sense of optimism on the Boyne. Mick Cooke has assembled a squad which he and many of the Drogheda faithful believe can do a bit more than merely stave off relegation, which was the modus operandi of the club the last few seasons. There are no fewer than thirteen new faces in the squad, however Mick Cooke will have to plan without six players for the clash.

The three Brennan brothers, Ryan, Gavin and Sean are all carrying suspensions along with Eric Foley. While Declan O’Brien and Paul Crowley are out with injury. But Cooke is confident that those who are getting a call up to cover will throw down the gauntlet and challenge for a starting berth.

“There will be one or two players given a chance to play that might not have started otherwise and they will need to take their chances and it could inspire some good performances.”

"Obviously this is a great occasion for the club, it will be live on TV, unfortunately for me I won't have a full squad available for selection. But these things happen and it's sure to happen more than once this season so we will just deal with it.”

"It's probably best to play Rovers at the start of the season. Stephen Kenny is still figuring out his best side and they have yet to settle into their stride. I saw them last week and they have at least two players for every position. But they are of course one of the best squads in the league and we won't take them lightly.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Stephen Kenny’s first competitive game in charge comes off the back of a morale boosting 8-1 demolition of First Division hopefuls Waterford in their final pre-season game in Tallaght. Ken Oman will take the captains role for the forthcoming season and in the veteran defender he has found a solid leader.

The former Derry manager has assembled the biggest squad by far in the league and it’s a real statement of intent that for every position on the pitch he has at least two players battling. It’s been said that his most difficult task in retaining the league title could just merely be team selection, such is the confidence that Rovers are set to do the hat-trick.

He will have to deal without new signing Daryl Kavanagh, who is suspended, and Conor Winn has been ruled out with a back injury, while there are doubts over Ronan Finn and Gary McCabe.

Kenny is of course confident heading into the game, but is in no way underestimating their opponents.

"The players have worked extremely hard in pre-season and our aim is to start the season well against Drogheda. When you go to Drogheda you have to earn the right to play and we'll be looking to do that tomorrow night. It's always a tough encounter, but we're well prepared. Our aim is to win the game; that has to be our ambition. The players have trained hard and done well in the pre-season games, but this is the real thing now and we are all really looking forward to getting started."

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

MATCH STATS

Gary Twigg scored in three of the four meetings with Drogheda last season.

The Boynesiders last beat Rovers on October 20^th 2007.

BETTING

Drogheda United 9/1, Draw 10/3, Shamrock Rovers 1/3.

PREDICTION

Rovers to nick it by a goal, 2-1.

Drogheda Injury News: Declan O’Brien, Paul Crowley.

Drogheda Suspension News: Ryan Brennan, Sean Brennan, Gavin Brennan and Eric Foley.

Rovers Injury News: Conor Winn.

Doubtful: Ronan Finn and Gary McCabe

Rovers Suspension News: Daryl Kavanagh.

Live Updates Link: http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/100/2012/17847/1/