Shamrock Rovers are sweating on the fitness of Andy Lyons ahead of tomorrow’s European clash with Molde.
But Aidomo Emaku has handed the Hoops a fitness boost ahead of the Tallaght Stadium group game.
Flying wing back Lyons shipped a knock in Sunday’s vital, last-gasp league win over Shelbourne.
READ MORE: Amber Barrett dedicates historic goal to Donegal explosion victims
But Hoops boss Stephen Bradley will give Lyons every chance to recover and said tonight: “Andy has a little knock that we have to have a look at.”
But Emakhu could make the squad despite leaving Molde in a protective boot last week after rolling his ankle.
That kept the 18-year-old out of the Shels game but Bradley said: “Aidomo is fine. We got him x-rayed having gone over on his ankle.
“We were worried there may be something broken, but thankfully he’s OK. He did some running this morning, he’s OK.”
Lee Grace and Sean Gannon both came off at half-time in that thrilling 3-2 win over Shels but Bradley said they are available tomorrow.
Chris McCann and Simon Power won’t feature having been sidelined of late, but could be involved against Drogheda on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Molde boss Erling Moe expects to see a different Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght.
With Shels in mind, the Hoops fielded a makeshift team in Norway last week but never performed and were comfortably beaten 3-0.
Yet Moe reckons it will be a different story in Tallaght where the Hoops haven’t lost in any competition since Flora Tallinn in August 2021.
“I reckon it’ll be a totally different game and I think we’ll see a different approach to the game from Shamrock,” he said.
“We’ve prepared for what we think and I think they will show us a different side of themselves.”
Moe reconks Hoops boss Stephen Bradley did the right thing by putting more stock in the Shels game.
“It was a big game and it's a big deal to get into Europe every year,” he said in Tallaght last night.
“Everyone knows if you win the league it's a much easier way into the group stage than if you come second or third in the league.
“So I understand why those thoughts are coming to the coach in that situation.
“I saw they won 3-2 in overtime and when you take that into account they probably did the right thing.”
Moe confirmed there will be some changes to the Molde team tonight and stressed the need to win.
“We know we didn't get the best start in this group so we need to win,” he added. “I think we will hopefully see that tonight but it's a different game.
“It will be a Molde team that takes care of the ball and produces some chances that hopefully we take, but it’s going to be more difficult than last week.”
READ NEXT:
Roy Keane gives brilliantly typical Irish answer to Monday Night Football question
Ireland boss says there is no excuse for pro-IRA song celebrations
Irish cyclist Mia Griffin takes inspiration from Sam Bennett after getting Covid before Worlds
Damien Duff fumes over added time after late Shamrock Rovers goal beats Shelbourne
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
