Dundalk have been dealt a blow ahead of Friday night’s clash with league leaders Shamrock Rovers with the news that Cameron Elliott will miss the game with a calf injury.

The Scottish striker was introduced as a half-time substitute against St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday night and played a pivotal role in Dundalk getting back into the game through Daniel Kelly’s equaliser.

Elliott’s night ended prematurely, however, as he limped off in the 90th minute and, speaking to dundalkfc.com on Wednesday, Lilywhites head coach Stephen O’Donnell said the 24-year-old, who arrived from East Kilbride in January, was waiting to see the extent of the damage.

“Cami was due to have his injury assessed today,” said O’Donnell. “He’s been carrying a calf injury and that’s why he didn’t start on Friday and Monday. We knew he was carrying a little bit of a niggle and we were hoping to get away with it.

“We didn’t start him in Drogheda last Friday and we were trying to get away without using him if possible but he made such an impact in the last two games when he did come off the bench.

“It’s unfortunate for him, and for us, because he’s been showing real hunger and desire and his performances in training saw him force his way into the team and make us change our system.

“He came from amateur football in Scotland and he wants to really maximise his potential and go places. He’s been brilliant over the past couple of weeks and I think, athletically, you can see the amount of scope he has to improve.”