Sport

FAI Cup: Previews

The Carlsberg-sponsored FAI Cup holders Dundalk have a string of problems for this repeat of last year's semi-final and, in the…

Thu Jul 25 2002 - 01:00

The Carlsberg-sponsored FAI Cup holders Dundalk have a string of problems for this repeat of last year's semi-final and, in the circumstances, manager Martin Murray (right) would presumably settle for something well short of the thumping his side gave Rovers that night at Oriel Park, writes Emmet Malone

Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers, Oriel Park 7.45

Aside from the players who have left the club since then, Noel Melvin (hamstring) and Garry Haylock (knee) are both certain to miss this evening's game while Donal Broughan, Chris Lawless (both ankle) and David Hoey (groin) are all doubtful. There is at least some good news for Murray, with John Flanagan and John Whyte both expected to feature after recovering from a knee problem and dead leg respectively.

Rovers, meanwhile, will be without former Dundalk winger James Keddy (hamstring) but Derek Tracey has been training this week despite a thigh strain and he is likely to feature for Liam Buckley.

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Last year: Dundalk: winners; Rovers: semi-finalists.

Possible replay date: Tuesday, July 30th, Tolka Park, 7.30.

Betting: Home: 4/1, Draw: 12/5, Away: 8/13.

Referee: J McDermott.

Limerick City v Waterford Utd, Jackman Park 6.30

Having led his side to a surprise success in the League Cup last year Limerick manager Noel O'Connor is hoping his side can build on the achievement in the league and FAI Cup in the months to come.

"It was difficult to gauge last year how good we really were," he says, "but there's a belief in the side now that wasn't there before the League Cup, particularly after beating the Premier Division clubs on the way to winning it."

O'Connor will have to hope his side can get by without Mike Kerley (hamstring), Ciarán Foley (groin) and Barry Ryan, who has not recovered from an ankle injury. Stephen O'Flynn, though, should be fit to start.

Waterford have David Breen back from suspension but are missing Richie Lopez who is still struggling with a hamstring problem. Ross Cosgrave, who has returned from a scholarship in the US, has joined the club but not in time to figure for United.

Last year: Limerick: round three; Waterford Utd: round two.

Possible replay date: Monday, July 29th, RSC, 7.30.

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/8.

Referee: A O'Regan.