MATCH PREVIEW: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers
Shelbourne FC vs Shamrock Rovers
Friday, 8th April 2022
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Tolka Park
7:45pm Kick-Off
Tolka Park is the venue this Friday evening, as Shamrock Rovers travel across the Liffey to take on Premier Division newcomers, Shelbourne.
After a difficult start to the season, Stephen Bradley's side produced their most-dominant performance in 2022 last Friday, comfortably defeating Finn Harps 3-0 in Ballybofey - a game which saw Andy Lyons put in a Man of the Match performance by netting two well-taken goals either side of half-time.
As for tomorrow night's hosts, Damien Duff's side picked up a fantastic 1-0 win away to Sligo Rovers last Saturday evening, thanks to a first-half finish from Dan Carr - a player who was first brought to the League of Ireland by Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley.
Fridays game in Tolka will be the first-time Damien Duff will face up against his former employers since he left his coaching role in the Shamrock Rovers Underage Academy back at the beginning of 2019, before having short a short time involved with the Republic of Ireland Senior Mens side. Duff's assistant coach for the Reds this year is former Hoop Joey O'Brien, who ended his professional career with Shamrock Rovers last November.
Shelbourne's first-team squad includes players such as Luke Byrne (The Reds captain for 2022), Dan Carr & Sean Boyd - all of whom played under Stephen Bradley in Tallaght. One name to keep an eye out for is Jordan McEneff, younger brother of former Hoop Aaron McEneff, who is currently on loan at Tolka Park from English Premier League side Arsenal.
Ahead of Fridays game, the hosts currently sit in 7th position in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table after 8 games played with 9 points, whilst Shamrock Rovers sit in 2nd place on 14 points, 6 points behind Derry City who lead at this early stage.
Fridays match official team will consist of Damien McGrath (Referee), Rob Clarke & Michelle O'Neill (Assistants), and Sean Grant (Fourth Official)..
TEAM NEWS
Shelbourne FC: Full-back Shane Griffin returns to the Shelbourne match-day squad after injury. Midfielders JJ Lunney & Jack Moylan remain out, despite the pair returning to training recently.
Shamrock Rovers: Stephen Bradley has a full squad to choose from. Lee Grace came off as a precautionary last week against Finn Harps after rolling his ankle, but has trained all week and is fit for the clash in Tolka Park.
COVERAGE
LOITV: Fridays game will be broadcast live on loitv.ie for just €7. The broadcast will begin from 7:30, with kick-off in Tolka set for 7:45pm. You can purchase your match pass through the link below.
https://www.loitv.ie/en-int/playerpage/1304853
TWITTER: The official Shamrock Rovers Twitter account will be providing live in-game updates throughout the ninety minutes in Tolka Park, for those of you unable to attend the game.
MATCH TICKETS
Tickets for the away end in Tolka Park are fully sold-out, and no more will be put on sale. Do not travel to Tolka without a match ticket.