Shamrock Rovers and Dublin City prepare for high drama of play-off
Shamrock Rovers and Dublin City prepare for high drama of play-off
Shamrock Rovers v Dublin City, Dalymount Park (Kick off 7:45)
The eircom League's most successful club ever, Shamrock Rovers, are in danger of suffering relegation for the first time as they face Dublin City in the promotion-relegation play-off with the first leg tonight (Tuesday).
As always, the play-offs promise plenty of drama though history favours Rovers as, in the last four years, the Premier Division side has always survived - albeit it by the skin of their teeth.
Not since Kilkenny City overturned Waterford United in 2000 has the First Division outfit came out on top though Dublin City have form on their side going into this year’s play-off.
The Vikings are on a three-game winning run while Rovers have lost five of their last six matches in the Premier Division.
Add to that the fact that Shamrock Rovers — or more accurately manager Roddy Collins — is the one person the Vikings want to beat after he left Dublin City for Rovers last season.
Many of Dublin City’s players too have a point to prove to Collins after he released them from the Vikings during his tenure last season only for current boss Dermot Keely to re-sign them this year as the pushed for promotion.
Collins, of course, will not be involved tonight after he was suspended by Shamrock Rovers for an “internal matter” meaning that special advisor Alan O’Neill will take charge tonight.
O’Neill, however, insists that no matter who is in charge of Rovers, it will make no difference as only the players can save the Hoops.
“It’s not going to be me who keeps Shamrock Rovers up. Only the players can do that and that is what we have been telling them,” said O’Neill.
“It is up to the players to show the fighting spirit needed to get through what are two huge games for the club.”
On the opposite bench will be former Rovers, captain and manager Dermot Keely who is looking to guide the Vikings back to the Premier Division at the first attempt.
Keely admitted that Rovers would not be his first choice in a play-off though is concentrating on the job at hand.
“It saddens me it is Rovers we play, because I had such good times with them as a player and manager,” said Keely.
“I’d prefer it to be somebody else, that’s the truth. But it’s not. These things are made for you. Fate can be nasty sometimes.”
Rovers will welcome back Mark Rutherford, Trevor Molloy and Derek Treacy for the clash though Mark Quigley is a doubt while Dublin City have welcome back Ben Whelahan and Alan Mulcahy from suspension.
Tonight’s clash is expected to be tight with very little in the game which would ensure plenty of drama in Friday’s second leg at Tolka Park.
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