Soccer

Robert Bayly and Shamrock Rovers aiming to finish season on a high

European qualification and cup silverware the goal for Pat Fenlon’s side

Shamrock Rovers’ Robert Bayly: “There is still a lot to play for. We are in the final of one cup, in the quarters of another. We’re not too far off the top, in my view.” Photo: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Paul Buttner
Fri Aug 29 2014 - 01:00

With several not inconsiderable prizes still to aim for, Shamrock Rovers' midfielder Robert Bayly is adamant he and his team-mates' focus hasn't wavered since the season began.

Qualifying for Europe is the chief goal for everyone at Tallaght Stadium. And though the title may be beyond them, there’s Europe via a top three finish in the league to am for and two cups to contend for.

"There is still a lot to play for. We are in the final of one cup, in the quarters of another. We're not too far off the top, in my view," said Bayly in advance of the visit of Sligo Rovers tonight.

Influential attacker Gary McCabe is suspended for the home side who are also without injured defender David O’Connor and midfielder Ryan Brennan.

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Suspension deprives Sligo of full-backs Alan Keane and Danny Ledwith. And though central defender Jeff Henderson and striker Daryl Kavanagh are out injured, left-back Iarfhlaith Davoren and midfielders Raffaele Cretaro and John Russell come back into contention.

Injured list

Dundalk are set to bring goalkeeper Peter Cherrie, skipper Andy Boyle and strikers Kurtis Byrne and Patrick Hoban back into their side to face Bohemians at Oriel Park.

Daniel Byrne has joined Anto Murphy on Bohemians’ long-term injured list. Steven Beattie is banned while skipper Dave Mulcahy is unavailable.

Cup-tied last week, Ross Gaynor returns at left-back for Cork City for their trip to bottom of the table Athlone Town. Striker John O’Flynn is a doubt while Rob Lehane and Michael Rafter remain out. Midfielder Eric Foley is suspended for Athlone while Aidan Collins, Stephen Quigley and Graham Rusk remain out injured.

Midfielder Greg Bolger remains suspended for champions St Patrick’s Athletic’s visit to Derry City. Knee injuries deprives the hosts of captain Clifford Byrne and Danny Ventre while striker Rory Patterson (back) is a doubt.

Though still missing Michael Leahy with a groin injury, Limerick boss Martin Russell will hope that fellow defenders Robbie Williams, Sami Oji and Stephen Folan, along with midfielder, Jason Hughes can shake off injuries for the visit of Drogheda to Thomond Park.

Drogheda midfielder Gavin Brennan begins an additional four-match suspension for a recent red card. Mick Daly is a doubt while Stephen Maher remains out injured.

Out with a back injury since April, UCD finally welcome striker Dean Clarke back for their relegation six-pointer at Bray Wanderers.

Injuries to Dave Webster, Adam Hanlon, Eric McGill and Shane O’Neill will hamper Bray’s hopes of leapfrogging their opponents while Michael Barker is suspended.