STRUGGLING WITH a dip in their own form, going to play a Shamrock Rovers side unbeaten in almost three months might have been timed a little better. But UCD manager Martin Russell is determined his young side play to their potential at Tallaght Stadium tonight (kick-off: 7pm).

“We’re going there to play and compete and try to give as good an account of ourselves as possible,” said Russell. “Rovers are one of the favourites for the cup and the league. They’ve a great record this season and Michael (manager, O’Neill) has them achieving great results, so we’ve got to give them that respect, but we’ve also to try to express ourselves.”

College are missing the creativity of Ronan Finn in midfield as he serves the final game of a suspension. Defender Sean Harding and ex-Rovers midfielder Robbie Creevy remain out injured, though striker Chris Mulhall returns after suspension.

Former Student, Ian Bermingham (knee) is Rovers’ only injury doubt, though Pat Sullivan is cup-tied and recent signings Alan Mannus and Ross Chisholm are ineligible.

Hearing that their 4-0 win over them at the Showgrounds in Tuesday’s league game was something Derry were overdue will scarcely be music to the ears of Sligo ahead of this prompt rematch in the cup tonight (kick-off: 7.45pm).

“The team can take confidence from that performance, scoring four goals,” said Derry manager Stephen Kenny, “and to be honest, I think that we’ve been threatening to do that for a while.”

Kenny is without midfielder Kevin Deery through suspension while defender Mark McChrystal (cheekbone), winger Liam Kearney (broken leg) and striker Sammy Morrow (ankle) remain out injured.

Key defender Gavin Peers’ continued absence with a thigh injury doesn’t help. Recent signing Ger Rafter is also out with a groin problem while midfielder Michael McGrath is cup-tied.