Kick off in Oriel Park is at 8pm, with TV coverage on Virgin Media Two beginning at 7.30pm

It was a quick start for us in the 3-1 win in Galway last week with Michael Noonan scoring inside 90 seconds. It came from a move that started with Ed McGinty finding Tunmise Sobowale in midfield, and a good touch and run from John McGovern.

“It was a really good start. It was important that we started well and we did that, getting a very good goal to open the scoring. It was quick direct play which was really good to see.

“One of Ed’s qualities is with the ball at his feet and we know we can definitely utilise that more. You can see this year it’s been a real weapon for us and it will continue to be so.”

With the second goal, Adam Brennan got in at the back post to react quickest when the ball came off the woodwork.

“He’s there which is the main thing. He gets in the position and I know it takes a deflection but he’s there and he gets his reward for not giving up on it.”

Is there much more you can do with Galway United’s goal early in the second half with that close range header from a well delivered corner?

“There’s always times you can look at goals, especially set plays, and think what can we do better, but you have to give them credit as well. It was a really good ball and a really good header and sometimes when both of them are right, you can’t stop them.”

Our third goal was another good team goal on the back of a good spell of possession with Tunmise Sobowale scoring his first for the club.

“After half time, Galway had a 15-minute spell in the second half and they were very good. We had to fight and then after that we took control of the game again and settled it down. The third goal probably summed up our play and it was probably what we deserved in that period of the game. It was a really good team goal.”

After drawing with Dundalk 1-1 in Tallaght earlier in the season, it is a return for Rovers to Oriel Park after a season’s break. Ciaran Kilduff has brought the Lilywhites back into the Premier Division this season and they’ve done very well on their return – sitting fourth in the table.

“We’re looking forward to go up there and playing on their new pitch. I’m sure it’ll be a good game. Ciaran has done a really good job and there’s no doubt that they will be ready and it is going to be a tough game for us. They’ve been good in the large majority of their games. I expect Friday to be a good competitive game.”

Will we see Pico Lopes play with us before he goes away to play in the World Cup with Cape Verde?

“No, he won’t be involved. We could get him back for the Sligo game next week and he would be fine, but I don’t see the point of taking that risk. It wouldn’t be the wisest thing to do for any of us.

“We have the players in our squad that are ready to play, which is really, really important, but even if we hadn’t got them players available, I don’t think you could risk playing him for one game with a chance of him getting reinjured. He and his teammates have worked incredibly hard to get to the World Cup. So I don’t think we can put that in jeopardy for him.

“We’re in a really strong position in terms of our squad. But either way, regardless of where we were, you’ve got to respect that he’s going to the World Cup and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. We’ve got to do everything possible to make sure he’s right for that.”

Are there any other squad updates for Friday’s game in Dundalk?

“Rory Gaffney is still out but Danny Grant is back available. Cory O’Sullivan will probably be back next week.”