VICTORY OVER the only side the champions have failed to beat this season at Tallaght Stadium tonight will be a major obstacle hurdled towards Shamrock Rovers retaining their title.

Their 2-1 win at Bray Wanderers on Sunday, coupled with erstwhile leaders Sligo Rovers’ defeat at St Patrick’s Athletic the night before, edged Rovers a point clear of Sligo at the top of the table.

However, striker Karl Sheppard, who headed both goals in Bray, insists Rovers will have to up their game if they are to beat third-placed Derry, who bring an 18-match unbeaten league run to Dublin 24.

Following two surprise home draws against Drogheda and Bray, Derry’s 2-0 win at Dundalk at the weekend has brought Stephen Kenny’s side right back into the frame. While Rovers have three games to play, Derry have a game in hand on them and would create history as the first club to win the league, following promotion the previous season, if they can win all four of their remaining games.

“It’s massive for us,” said a cautious Sheppard. “If we win then the league is almost ours. But if we go about it the way we did (in Bray) then it won’t be good enough, so we need to pull up our socks and play better. It has to be the biggest game of the season and we know that we have to be up for it. They are a very good team and we can’t afford to play poorly against them.”

Three points tonight would leave Rovers needing to win just one of their remaining two games at UCD and at home to Galway United. A draw would still leave them in control of their own destiny, though with far less margin for error.

“The Rovers match is not a league title decider, but it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to remain in the race and attempt to achieve something that has never been achieved before,” said Derry manager Kenny. “I think it’s fair to suggest that we’ve surprised many with our performances this season, but we have ambition and we’ll be taking that to Tallaght. We can’t afford to be cautious, we’ve got to try to win the game.”

Right back Eddie McCallion and midfielder Owen Morrison, both of whom have calf injuries, remain out for Derry, though central defender Ryan McBride hopes to be passed fit following a groin strain.

Striker Gary O’Neill (calf) is Rovers’ main doubt. Having made a substitute appearance for the Republic of Ireland under-21s in Liechtenstein on Tuesday, left-back Enda Stevens’ fitness will need to be assessed if he’s to feature. “This is a huge game for us, for both sides really,” said Rovers’ manager Michael O’Neill. “A win would give us a good cushion at the top of the league.

“It’ll be important to have a good crowd, and that they get behind the team for the full 90 minutes.”