Kickoff in Turner’s Cross is at 7.45 pm. The match is available to stream on LOITV.

Against Drogheda, the stats told a story with 28 shots, but 21 off target. Did it seem like we left our shooting boots at home and it was just one of those nights?

“We had good opportunities and they made really good blocks in the box. There were obviously other times that we could have been better, and our finishing could have been better, but it was just one of those evenings. We just couldn’t seem to put the ball in the net.”

Drogheda’s two goals were impressive counter attacking goals from their point of view. People talk about ‘bogey teams’ and Drogheda for whatever reason, have they been a thorn in our side the last few seasons?

“Drogheda’s two goals are two good goals from their point of view but poor from our point of view. In several areas for them we were really poor and to be fair to Drogheda they punished us“

Is it hard to put your finger on how the team have an excellent run of clean sheets away from home at the moment but have conceded too many goals in Tallaght so far?

“We definitely know why that is and we need to work on putting that right. We’re well aware of why that’s happening but it’s all well and good understanding what’s been causing us one or two problems at home, in terms of giving up goals, we have to put it right and we just need to tidy up in some areas.”

It was your 300th game in charge of the club. It wasn’t the result you would have wanted but was it still a landmark to be proud of?

“Of course. We all want to win but regardless of the result, it’s a proud moment to be in charge of the club for 300 games. We all know football is a really tough industry, especially management, so I’m extremely honoured and proud to have 300 games for the club.”

We drew 4-4 with Cork in Tallaght. Colin Healy has since left them, and they got a much-needed win last week. What sort of team will they be on their own turf on Friday?

“I’ve no doubt it’ll be difficult, I think we’ve seen that in any every game we’ve played this year and I don’t think Friday will be any different. We watched Cork last week and they were very good. They deserved to win and should have won by more. So we’re under no illusions, we’re going into a tough game. If we bring our performance level from Friday and tidy up in both boxes, we’ll be OK.”

It’s Rovers fans’ first trip to Turner’s Cross in four years and one they’re looking forward to. Is it a ground you liked playing at as a player because it’s one of the best venues, and always nice to get a good result at?

“I think you have to enjoy going to places like Turner’s Cross because you know that the Cork fans are passionate, and they always get crowds. That’s always nice and the pitch is usually decent and a good place to go and play. Our fans always travel in their numbers and I’ve no doubt they’ll travel in their numbers on Friday and back the team until the final whistle. Hopefully we can send them home with three points.”

Trevor Clarke suffered an injury late on against Drogheda. How is he?

“We’ll have to check on Trevor after training this morning. That’ll be a late one. He obviously got a knock in the game last week; it’s settled a little bit, but we need to check on it today and make a call on it.”

Aside from Trevor, Alan Mannus and Dylan Watts is anyone unavailable with injury or suspension?

“Lee Grace is suspended but everyone else is OK.”