Bohemians midfielder Kevin Hunt is relieved the holders were handed home advantage for their tricky Carlsberg FAI Cup quarter-final with fellow Premier Division side Bray Wanderers. Last year's double winners will face Pat Devlin's men at Dalymount Park on the weekend of February 10, a factor Hunt sees as crucial if The Gypsies are to retain their interest in the competition and possibly a place in Europe next season.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland programme, Hunt admitted: "A home draw is always vital. It's tough playing Bray away they've got a very good home record, but we've got a good record against them at home. They'll be up for it, it's going to be a tough game but hopefully we can advance through to the semis."
Bohemians are languishing just seven points above the relegation zone and realistically out of contention in this year's title race, with Dublin rivals St Patrick's Athletic 14 points ahead. Hunt sees the Cup as Bohs' best chance of European football next season and insists the club will be focussed on retaining the trophy they won against Longford Town last May. He stressed: "It's our best chance of getting into Europe. It might still be possible to get there through the league, but it would take one hell of an effort, we'd have to win most of our remaining games, if not all of them. But the cup is definitely our best chance. We've only got to win two more games and we're in the final and we'll be focussing really hard on that."
Filed by Shane Murray
