The allocation for away supporters has SOLD OUT. The match will be televised on Virgin Media 2, coverage beginning at 7.30pm

Was it a good time for the break, just beyond halfway point of Rovers’ league campaign and maybe coming after a flat performance in the scoreless draw at home to Galway United in the last match?

“I’ve always felt that the break is important. I think it’s important that the players, especially for us last year, with how long the season was and the short off-season and pre-season that we had. I definitely welcomed the break and I thought it was important that the players got a bit of time to switch off.”

Hopefully the players came back refreshed and you’ve had a good week’s training ahead of the game in Tolka Park?

“They were back last weekend and they’ve been excellent. They worked really hard as you would expect and we are ready to go for the second part of the season because we know that it’s an important time.”

Some players were off on international duty at different levels including six with the Ireland under-17 team who won away in Croatia.

“I think we should be proud when any of our players plays for their national team, regardless whether that’s senior or youth international level. All the players that were away enjoyed their time. Some got minutes, and did well and come back now with no issues and no injuries, which is always positive.”

Cory O’Sullivan made his debut at under-21 level for Ireland. How good have his performances been this season?

“Cory has trusted us in the last 18 months and the path for him in terms of doing his work and being ready when he gets his opportunity. He’s been in and out the last two years, but in terms of getting a sustained run of games this year, he’s trusted the plan for him and when he’s got in this year, he’s been excellent. I’m delighted for him playing for the 21s. The way he’s going and how focused he is, that’s the first of many caps and he’ll just get better and better.”

Matt Healy won the Ireland under 21 Player of the Year Award last week. Just how important has he been this season for Rovers?

“The award is well deserved and I think it shows the level he’s been playing at consistently for the under 21s. It’s the reason why we wanted Matt. I think he’s been excellent since he came in (to Rovers). There’s definitely more levels in him and we’ll see that as the season goes and into next year as well. We have to remember he’s a young central midfielder, young for that position but he’s maturing really well, but there’s still lots of growth left in him.”

Josh Honohan was with the senior Ireland squad but didn’t train one of the days with them, is he available for the game?

“Yes, he’s available. He picked up a knock and to be fair they were just being cautious with him and they got it all checked out and all was clear. He felt good afterwards. He missed a day but then he was back in. So he’s ready for tomorrow.”

Are there any other injury concerns?

“We got good news on Lee Grace. We thought he was going to be out for a number of months with his back. But thankfully, they’ve given him the all clear and he’s available. Sean Kavanagh is back training. So, a bit unusual, but there are no injuries at all in the squad which is great.”

How does the fact that you’ve got three games in eight days play into your thinking for selection against Shels?

“It definitely factors in. You have to face the game in front you and respect that for everything that it’s worth. We always do that but you’ve also got to have one eye on what’s coming down the line. We’ve got a good squad, everybody’s fit and everybody will play their part. The group is in a good place and they all know that when called upon they need to be ready. They have been and we need to continue that going forward.”

All the games are competitive, but it’s probably a good game to come back to against the champions?

“It’s a great week to come back to if you look at the games that we have, starting with this Dublin Derby, which will be a tough game, then we are up to Drogheda on Monday, which again will be another tough one, and then we’re home next Friday (to Cork City).”

Are you expecting something different from Shelbourne from what you’ve seen earlier on in the season?

“I don’t know, to be honest. We know Shels are a good team. We know they’ve good players, but it’s about us. It’s about what we do, what we bring to the table and our standards and that’s what we’ve focused on.”