Shelbourne look to belie odds against Dundalk

Priced as far out as 20 to 1 in some quarters, it is

a reminder Shelbourne scarcely needed of their task in hand as they travel to Oriel Park tonight to take on champions and league leaders Dundalk, unbeaten now in 25 games stretching back to last season's defeat to Shamrock Rovers in this very competition.

The second-round draw nobody wanted it may be, Shelbourne striker Philly Hughes is, nonetheless, relishing the challenge.

“There have been bigger shocks in the cup than Shels beating Dundalk,” said the much-travelled striker, who has Dundalk on a long list of clubs he’s also played for.

“Yes, it is the draw nobody wanted. But it gives us the chance to go out and play with no pressure on us. The pressure is on Dundalk as nobody is expecting us to come within three, four or five goals of them, they’re in such good form. The lads will be up for it. We’ve won our last three in a row, so we go there in good form and we’ll play our own game.

‘Never know’

“If we can keep it tight for the first 20-25 minutes and get into half-time 0-0, you just never know,” adds the 33-year-old. “You might nick one and it mightn’t be their night.”

Shelbourne manager Kevin Doherty will hope winger Dylan McGlade will be over a shin injury to give him the option to field the same side for the fourth game running. A hamstring injury continues to sideline Dundalk defender Brian Gartland while winger Darren Meehan is a doubt with a groin strain.

"There's a big FAI Cup tradition between ourselves and Shelbourne, but for us it's about keeping our winning and unbeaten run going," said Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny.

In a draw they might not have wished for in their first defence of the trophy – having taken 53 years to win it again – holders St Patrick’s Athletic host Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park without midfield anchor Greg Bolger, who is suspended, while captain Ger O’Brien faces a fitness test on the hamstring injury that’s troubled him for the last few weeks.

“The cup is very different for us this year as we go into the game as [holders],” said St Patrick’s manager Liam Buckley, as he strives to lift his players after last week’s home defeat to Dundalk. “We all know what it’s like to play in the Aviva Stadium in November and experience that winning feeling, so the players will be motivated to get the win.”

It being 1987 since they last won it, record winners of the competition Rovers have their own cup drought to quench.

"I don't need to explain how much this competition means to Shamrock Rovers, especially to the fans," said manager Pat Fenlon, whose only absentee is striker Danny North, who has had knee surgery.