Bohs and Rovers do battle in another Dublin Derby

Bohemians go in search of a hat-trick of Dublin Derby wins over their bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers tonight as the sides go head-to-head at Dalymount Park. 

Having won the previous two meetings between the sides, 3-1 and 2-1, Bohemians will be full of confidence but Manager Keith Long doesn’t think previous results will mean anything tonight, “I watched Rovers against St Pat's on Wednesday. They looked very strong and have some good players on form.”

"Previous games and results between us don't matter on Friday night. They've shown they are capable of getting result against anyone in the league so we have to be at our very best.”

"Our attitude, our discipline and our desire has got to be right. If it is, we have a good chance."

Both sides head into the game buoyed by the news that goalkeeper Shane Supple and midfielder Graham Burke have received call-ups to Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the friendly games against France and the USA. 

Long was delighted to see both players called up, but he says it won’t be a distraction for this game, “It hasn't been a hindrance to us in the run-up to tomorrow's game. The call-ups are a pleasant surprise for both clubs, particularly in the week leading up to the derby.”

"We see Shane's quality week in week out. We feel it's a deserved accolade for him. He is an extremely level-headed bloke and he wouldn't allow it to become a distraction."

After a 2-0 defeat to Dundalk last weekend Long, although disappointed, said there were some positives to take from the game, especially one of the younger members of the squad. He said, “But there were positives to take from it. Paddy Kirk, who came through our U19s, making his first start and he was there on merit.

"He's been knocking on the door for a while now and he stood up for the challenge. It wasn't a token gesture. It's a justified reward for his attitude and hard work."

Ahead of the Derby Aslan frontman Christy Dignam (pictured above with Dylan Watts, Keith Long, Oscar Brennan and Dan Casey) met with the squad to wish them well before training. He was there to buy his tickets for the game.

As for Shamrock Rovers, Brandon Miele will miss the game after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win over St Patrick’s Athletic during the week. 

Rovers have been extremely inconsistent this season and it will be interesting to see if that continues. 

Stephen Bradley said, “We know it’s going to be a tough game against Bohs, they’ve obviously turned us over twice this year. We’ll respect them and it’s going to be a tough challenge but one that we’re really looking forward to. The derbies are always strange in that you’re not quite sure what way they’re going to pan out but whatever way it is, whether it’s a footballing game or a typical derby game, we’ve got to make sure that we’re ready to go and meet it.”

Picture Credit: Bohemians Football Club