Preview: DFC v Shamrock Rovers

Dundalk FC welcome defending champions and league leaders Shamrock Rovers to Oriel Park on Friday night. The match kick-off at 8pm and is live on Virgin Media Two. 

The Lilywhites will be looking to respond after a frustrating run of recent results, while Rovers arrive in strong form. 

Ciarán Kilduff’s Comments

"A little over a year ago, the idea of hosting a Premier Division home game against the defending champions and league leaders Shamrock Rovers would have been something we'd have greatly welcomed with open arms. I think Friday night is a real marker of how far this club has come.

Of course, in recent weeks, both the group and I have felt a degree of disappointment with the points we've dropped over the last three or four games. But if we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, this has been a very competitive and successful return to the Premier Division, and we should take real pride in that.

Rovers are a formidable outfit — there's no point pretending otherwise. Close to six out of the last seven league titles tells you everything you need to know about the quality they possess, the experience their manager brings, and the standards that run throughout their entire setup. They'll arrive here tonight looking to continue their strong run of form, and we respect that fully.

But as always, our focus is firmly on ourselves. I genuinely believe this group is in a good place right now. The players are giving absolutely everything they have, and that will never change. We have been tested in recent weeks, no question about it — the squad has thinned out and we've been hit with a combination of suspensions and injuries that have made life difficult. It has been taxing, I won't shy away from that. But this group isn't one for making excuses, and neither am I or the staff. It's about making a good account of ourselves and being as competitive as we possibly can in every single game — and tonight will be no different."

Team News

• Eoin Kenny has overcome a knock and is fit to start.

• Rob Cornwall is suspended.

• Mayowa Animasahun is unavailable after sustaining an injury against Bohemians.

• Long term absences continue with their rehab work.