Alan Mannus is set to start for Shamrock Rovers in their big Dublin derby clash with St Patrick’s Athletic at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow.
The goalkeeper, 40, was forced off during the second-half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw away to Drogheda United after picking up an injury. Leon Pohls replaced him for the final half hour and the German was on standby to face the Saints tomorrow.
But Hoops boss Stephen Bradley has this morning cleared Mannus to start for the champions who are locked in a title race with Derry City.
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“He’s OK,” said Bradley. “He was obviously sore last week but he’s doing alright now so hopefully he comes through (training) today but yesterday he was OK.
“He should be (fit to play) unless something happens today. He was in a bit of pain on Sunday when he came off but I spoke to him yesterday and he’s ready to go.”
But Rovers midfielder Gary O’Neill is likely to miss tomorrow’s key clash after shipping a knock against Drogheda.
O’Neill came off at half-time at Head in the Game Park and Bradley said: “Gary will struggle.
“Chris McCann is back, Simon Power is back, Aidomo Emakhu is back. Jack Byrne picked up a knock last week but thinks he’s OK.”
With three games to go, Shamrock Rovers have a six-point lead over Derry City but the Candytstripes have a game in hand and the sides meet in Tallaght on Sunday week.
St Pat’s have won seven of their last nine league games since exiting Europe and are locked in a battle for third - and European qualification - with Dundalk.
Sizing up their threat, Hoops boss Bradley said: “It will be a difficult game, a Dublin derby obviously. They’re going for Europe and they’re playing well.
“They have some good players. You don’t expect anything different at this stage of the season. It will be a good game.”
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