Kilduff: Dundalk are "not going to take risks" against Rovers

Dundalk FC will face Shamrock Rovers in their final Group B match of the Leinster Senior Cup tonight at Roadstone. Kick-off is at 8pm. 

The Lilywhites go into game needing a win to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-final. A draw or defeat would leave their fate dependent on the result of the Malahide United vs Usher Celtic game in two weeks.  

Dundalk have already played two group matches, winning their opener against Malahide United 4-0 before a shock 2-1 loss to Usher Celtic. 

On the other hand, Shamrock Rovers have been dominant in the competition so far and won both of their matches - beating Usher Celtic 4-0 and Malahide United 3-2.  

The Hoops sit on six points with a 100% record and are already assured of a place in the last eight. Dundalk have won the Leinster Senior Cup seven times with the last time being in 2015. 

Dundalk manager, Ciarán Kilduff, is looking forward to the challenge against Shamrock Rovers as it serves as a final tune-up ahead of the start of the league season. 

He told the official club website: “We’re looking forward to it. We’re obviously only a week out from the league starting, so it’s a last opportunity to get minutes into legs for some lads, for lads to impress and force their way into the team. 

“I think we’ve had a good pre-season to date. You could see that last week with the Drogheda game. Rovers will pose a different kind of test. 

“They’ve won their two games already in the group, it’s in Roadstone, so we’ll get a nice opportunity to play up there against a good team.” 

Shamrock Rovers are expected to field an U20 squad for the game which is something Kilduff believes will still provide a tough test. 

“I think they’ve used this tournament so far for their Under-20s, but listen, they’ve got some really good depth and players in their Academy coming through,” he said. 

“It’ll be a proper test, a bit like when we played the Irish U19s. You’re getting the best of the best, and Rovers have a really good U20s team there that we have to respect and give them as good a game as we can give them.” 

Kilduff acknowledged that while the team wants to win the focus is ensuring they are ready for their upcoming league campaign. 

He said: “It’s a game of football, you want to win the game. If that means getting through, great. If we can, we will. You’re not going to take risks is the reality of it. 

“We do have a few lads with knocks and niggles who any other week you probably would play, but just the fact it isn’t of the utmost importance or a priority for us, you won’t take the risk. 

“The 11 lads that will be out there in Dundalk jerseys will be expecting to win the game and going to win the game like we do every other week.” 

In team news, Dundalk have a few injury concerns ahead of the game. Kilduff said: “We have a few little knocks.

“Dean Ebbe, it’s something minor but he’ll be fine, he’ll probably be involved in the squad. Gbemi Arubi won’t be involved. 

“Seán McHale and Norman Garbett have both been training and moving well this week, we mightn’t risk them for this one but they’ll be back to do full training next week. 

“We’ll have opportunities now for lads like Luke Mulligan, who had a bit of a knock in pre-season, coming back into the frame. He’ll start on Friday night and get minutes. 

“We’ll be looking for these lads to impress and take their opportunities because when you’re seven days out from the start of a league, every minute counts now.”