FAI Cup third round: Getting their priorities right, their chief focus being promotion back to the Premier Division after five years in the First, Sligo Rovers will nonetheless savour the task of taking on St Patrick's Athletic in what is the potential shock of the third round at the Showgrounds tonight.
"I don't think any team would relish coming to the Showgrounds at the moment, never mind St Pat's," said player-coach Gerry Carr, who takes charge from the dugout in the absence of suspended manager SeáConnor.
Though they have home advantage with a big expectant crowd behind them, Carr insists all the pressure is on St Patrick's.
"It's a game we're looking forward to. We're top of the First Division and welcome the opportunity to test ourselves against a Premier Division side," added Carr, who scored Sligo's winning goal against Derry City in the 1994 final.
"But the cup is a release from the league and there is little or no pressure on us. On paper, St Pat's are expected to win. But winning is a habit and while our priority is the league we will be fully focused against St Pat's."
With striker Paul McTiernan back from suspension, Rovers are at full strength.
John Frost and Alan Reilly are cup-tied for St Patrick's while recent signing Stephen Brennan wasn't registered in time to allow him play.
"Sligo are in the First Division, but they look set for promotion," acknowledged St Patrick's manager John McDonnell. "We know that if we drop our guard we will be in trouble.
"It's important that we get through for our fans and for the club. Then we would be only two games away from a cup final and the prospect of getting into Europe."
Unbeaten in the cup in 13 games stretching back two years, holders Longford Town, though at home tonight, take on a UCD side buoyed by their League Cup semi-final defeat of Shelbourne on Monday night.
Having both captain Barry Ferguson and then Dessie Baker (after the final whistle) red carded in their League Cup semi-final defeat in Derry on Tuesday, and thus suspended tonight, Longford reorganise at the back and up front.
UCD have Willie Doyle cup-tied but are otherwise at full strength.
"Longford have had a great run of success in the FAI Cup and they have to be beaten sometime, hopefully that's (tonight)," said UCD manager Pete Mahon.
Pat McCourt misses Derry City's home clash with Kildare County, having suffered a hamstring strain in the defeat of Longford, while Gary Beckett is also an injury doubt.
Eamon Doherty, Eddie McCallion and Kevin Deery have returned to full training this week, but this game comes a little too soon for them.
"We fully understand the task we are facing, taking on what I consider to be the best side in the league at the moment," said Kildare manager John Ryan, who brings a fully fit squad to the Brandywell.
"The lads are looking forward to the break from the pressures of the league. Most people expect little from us in this tie so we will give it our best shot and see what happens."
Though they have recent signings Marc Kenny, Tony Sheridan and Mark Quigley cup-tied and Will McDonagh continuing his suspension, Shamrock Rovers should have enough in reserve to account for Cork non-league side Douglas Hall at Dalymount Park tomorrow afternoon.
"It's a huge task but we have to be optimistic," said Douglas Hall captain, Gavin Roche. "Rovers are doing well right now but we can't afford to approach the game with a negative attitude. We want to do our best and any negative thoughts will only hinder us. It will be up to Rovers to break us down."
Missing the opportunity to play at Dalymount Park are striker John Healy (broken toe) and centre back Brian Wilkinson, who only returns from holidays tomorrow.
