Shelbourne ace Gavin Molloy is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage.
The midfielder - who has been playing in defence at times - was injured in last week’s scoreless draw at UCD.
And that forced him out of the come-from-behind Easter Monday win over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park.
Damien Duff was waiting on scan results before determining the full extent of Molloy’s setback - and the news is a blow for the Shels boss.
Duff said yesterday: “Gav Molloy’s results came back from his medical scans. It’s going to be a few weeks, we’re disappointed for Gav as he’s been playing really well.
“He’s done ligament damage. It’s too early to put an exact time frame on it, but it will be a few weeks for sure.
“Then it will come down to no setbacks in the recovery and how quick Gav can heal.”
Molloy will look on from the stands tonight when Shels try to right some wrongs against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght.
Rovers and Dundalk are the only teams the Reds have yet to beat since returning to the Premier Division last season.
They held the Hoops to a point at Tolka Park in December and boast the meanest defence in the league having conceded just five goals in nine games.
Shels have kept five clean sheets in that time and Duff feels tonight could be the night they scalp Rovers if they can inflict damage at the other end.
“The lads need to get the monkey off the back and there’s no better time than tonight. I said it to them yesterday, I think they’re ready to do it and end that wait.”
The Drumcondra giants are fifth in the table, two points off Rovers who are third.
And asked about the first series of games, Duff said: “Being honest, I’m never happy, I want more and know we’re capable of more, but it’s an ok place to be.”
Shamrock Rovers are starting to motor after a slow start and Duff added: “They were never far off form even when they were not getting results.
“Tallaght Stadium is the hardest place to go in the League of Ireland but our lads will be highly motivated.
“They’ll need to play with calm and confidence but they are good enough to go there and win. I firmly believe that - but they need to believe it too.”
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