Friday night’s match is SOLD OUT. TV coverage on RTE2 begins at 7.30pm, kickoff is 7.45pm

Was everyone disappointed with such a narrow defeat at Oriel Park on Friday?

“Yes, we were disappointed because we gave away a poor goal from our point of view and we had some chance in the first half which we obviously didn’t take so, yes we were disappointed to leave with the defeat and no points”

How did you feel the first half played out?

“It was a scrappy game in general, we had got chances, but it was a poor enough game, from both teams. If we had taken one of those chances it’s a different game, but we didn’t, and we got punished”

It’s a great cross for their winning goal in fairness but were you disappointed to concede that way?

“Very disappointed because it’s something that we had spoken about since we came back from the break. We had done a lot of work on it in the last ten days so it was disappointing to give a goal like that up.”

Could we have done with a bit more guile in the second half or what in your view could have better to trouble their defence?

“As I said, I don’t think either half was good quality, even though there were chances. We know that we are better than that, and we have been better than that, we had an off night, and sometimes that happens.”

Did it seem like we left our shooting boots at home with all but one of our efforts off target?

“It happens, it’s football. This group is obviously top of the league and has been very good, but sometimes you just have a night where it just doesn’t click for you and we had that on Friday, an off night”

Is a big derby, another sell out crowd, a good game to try and bounce back now?

“Yes, a sell out crowd for a Dublin Derby, it has the makings of a really good game and one that we are looking forward to. It has the makings of a good weekend with Bohs tomorrow and St. pat’s on Monday, a really good weekend to look forward to.”

What do you expect from Bohs?

“We’ve seen that their attacking players are a threat and can cause problems for anyone, we know that and have to l respect it and make sure that we are ready for it, and then impose ourselves on them as soon as possible”

Heavy fixture list but exciting few weeks to come back from the break into in three competitions?

“That’s what being at this club is about – playing in big games. We always say that you put yourself in a position in the first half of the season to be in contention. You want to be here after the break, competing for the league, starting the Cup and in Europe, and that’s where we are now, with big games every week until the end of the season. It’s what we work for.”

Jack and Graham weren’t involved on Friday and Danny came off during off the game. How are those three looking?

“Jack will be out. Graham trained today without issues, and Danny will be fine as well.”

Ronan Finn is suspended. Will anyone else be missing?

“We’ve one or two knocks from the games on |Friday and Saturday but hopefully, they will be ok. “