FAI Carlsberg Cup favourites Derry City must travel to Sligo Rovers in the semi-finals later this month.  The club had, naturally, hoped for a home draw but will still fancy their chances of keeping alive their treble hopes.

But Sligo boss Sean Connor is relishing the prospect of derailing Derry's push for honours and insists a Cup win is his side's best opportunity of securing a European spot.

"I didn't really care who we got as long as it was at home," he says.  "At least we know what we're up against.  League form goes out the window.  The fact they did well in Europe and are doing well in the league means nothing now, it's a one off game."

Sligo supporters won't fear Derry's visit to the Showgrounds, comfortable in the knowledge that their side have already beaten Stephen Kenny's men there this season.

The other tie sees Shamrock Rovers host St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park in an all-Dublin derby.

First Division Rovers actually beat their Premier Division opponents in the League Cup earlier this season but chairman Johnathan Roche says that game bears no significance now.

"It'll be a different game," he says.  "We've a changed team from when we beat them that time but I think they know we wont be pushovers."

St Patrick's boss John McDonnell is relishing the tie.

"It doesn't matter if they're top of the First Division or middle of the Premier, it's a one-off semi-final," he says. "It extends the season and keeps the fans interested, even more so if you reach the final."