Kickoff in Tallaght Stadium is at 8pm this Wednesday. Tickets remain on sale.

We went down 2-1 away to Derry on Sunday. Did the game hinge on two major moments, the fortuitous Derry goal to make it 1-0 and Lee Grace’s sending off?

“I think so. There wasn’t anything in the game. We were controlling the game in the first half, Derry were on top in the second. There was still nothing in it, but with the first goal, their player goes to cross it and the ball ends up in the back of the net. Then Lee got sent off in the second half and it changes everything. I think we can say the two big moments decided the game.”

The players as always gave their all. Considering they’ve been playing or training for almost twenty months solid, having played until 19th December last year and returned for pre-season in January, just how well have they done to have put us a point away from a title, are in the FAI cup final and will again play in Europe until December 18 this year?

“I think it’s really important that people understand what this group are doing and what they have done and where they have put the club on the brink of at the moment. It’s unprecedented in Ireland, what they can achieve this year. That’s full credit to the players who’ve been exceptional. The last few weeks we’ve had tough moments, but that’s football, that’s the way it goes. Not everything is plain sailing. But you can’t lose sight of where this group has taken the team and the club.”

All minds now turn to Wednesday and the second last league game at home to Galway United. The players must be really buzzing to get out there and try and win the game and afterwards will take care of itself.

“Again, I think moments have gone against us in the last few weeks. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing, keep working hard and stay focussed. We know that works. The last few weeks have gone against us but that happens. We’ll just keep doing what we do and get ready for Galway.”

Galway are looking to avoid the relegation play-off spot, so they have much to play for also. So that will ensure an intense and meaningful game.

“Of course it will. There’s no other way in this league. Every team fights to the end in this league regardless of what’s on the line and that’s a given in this country and this league and always has been and always will be. I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. It will be a tough game against Galway.”

Lee Grace will miss the game as a result of his red card in Derry. Are Danny Grant and Aaron Greene back yet and is anyone else unavailable?

“Everyone came out of the Derry game ok. Danny Grant will be back this week, either the Galway game or Sligo on Saturday. I’d imagine Aaron will be the week after and Danny Mandroiu, we’re re hoping will be involved against AEK Athens”.

If you can’t make the game, you can watch live and exclusive coverage on LOITV on Wednesday night at 8pm where we look to secure our fifth title in six seasons. Subscribe at https://www.loitv.ie/ie/package/2