Bray Wanderers manager Pat Devlin said that John Ryan has only a slim chance of winning his fight to be fit for Friday's FAI Cup semi-final meeting with Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Ryan, a folk hero at the club on the strength of a hat-trick in the 1990 final against St Francis, has not figured in their recent games because of a persistent groin injury.

Now, more than ever, his experience is central to Bray's hopes of progress; but as of now, Devlin rates his chances of making the deadline as no better than moderate. Coupled with the earlier loss of Jason Byrne, it reduces their frontline options dramatically. But Devlin is still confident.

An ankle injury delayed John Walsh's clearance for last Friday's 1-0 win over Dundalk, until shortly before the kick-off but after coming through that game without problems, he is now certain to retain the goalkeeper's jersey.