v Drogheda United

League of Ireland Premier Division 2009

Saturday October 17th, Tallaght Stadium (KO 7.00pm)

Says Hoops’ boss Michael O’Neill: “Ian is fit, and it’s more a question of whether his lack of match practice will be a factor. Twiggy, Paddy and Pat all face late fitness tests.”

MICHAEL O’NEILL ON:

Last week’s 1-0 win against Derry City

“We were delighted with the result. People from the outside were seeing this fixture as one where we’d be likely to drop points, but we played well and fully deserved our win. “We were solid throughout, defended well in the second half when they came at us, and restricted Derry to very few chances. It was a polished and professional performance.”

Saturday’s game against Drogheda United

“In a ten-team league you’re rarely going to get a game with nothing at stake. They’ve been fighting all season, and have given us some very tough games in the league and the FAI Cup.

“We will, of course, treat them with the utmost respect. They’ve got a very good spirit, and we know that we’ll have to be on our best form if we’re to come away with the three points.”

Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United so far this season

P-5 W-2 D-3 L-0 F-8 A-4

Apr 3, United Park

Drogheda U (0) 2      Rovers (1) 2

Shields 47’               Twigg 20’

Farrell 72’                Amond 86’

May 30, Tallaght Stadium

Rovers (1) 1            Drogheda U (0) 1

Twigg 45’                Duffy 86’

Jun 13, Tallaght Stadium

FAI Ford Cup 3^rd Round

Rovers (1) 1            Drogheda U (0) 1

O’Connor 7’              Kenna 58’

Jun 16, United Park

FAI Ford Cup 3^rd Round Replay

Drogheda U 0           Rovers (1) 3

                             Baker 28’

                             Purcell 82’ 88’

Aug 7, United Park

Drogheda U 0           Rovers (1) 1

                             Twigg 82’

Premier Positions

                   P        W       D        L        F        A     Pts     Pos

Rovers          31      19       9        3       43      21     66      1^st

Drogheda U    31      6        10      15      26      43      28      9^th