Dundalk FC v Shelbourne: Preview

It's the start of a very busy month as Dundalk welcome Joey O'Brien's Shelbourne to Oriel Park on Friday night (kick-off: 7.45pm). Dundalk will be hoping to respond following their 2-0 defeat last Saturday night to Sligo Rovers. Shelbourne are also hoping to bounce back after their 4-3 defeat to Drogheda United in Tolka Park last weekend.

Ciaran Kilduff Comments "We obviously made a very positive start to the season and had been on a good run before last Saturday night’s defeat, which was our first loss in two months. That is the nature of this league. It is unforgiving, you get nothing easy, and every game brings a different challenge. We have to try to get back to our positive ways against a really good Shelbourne team, who are more than capable of producing a big performance on any given night."

"We have been really strong at home, and since I came to the club, we have never lost a league game at Oriel Park. That is something the players take pride in, something I take pride in, something the staff take pride in, and I think it is something our supporters take pride in as well."

"We know we will lose games at home eventually, but the important thing is how quickly we respond and react when adversity comes our way. Saturday night was only our second defeat since our return to the Premier Division, and the players will be looking to produce a reaction.

They are a great group, and the support we have received has been brilliant, both home and away. We are very lucky to have that backing, and it certainly does not go unnoticed."