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Preview of Dublin City v Shamrock Rovers

Dermot Keely is on the verge of returning Dublin City to the eircom League Premier Division
Dermot Keely is on the verge of returning Dublin City to the eircom League Premier Division

Dublin City will pick from a full-strength squad for tomorrow night's do or die eircom League relegation/promotion play-off second leg at Tolka Park.

City go into the game with a one-goal advantage as a result of their 2-1 success over Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night at Dalymount Park.

However, any thoughts of trying to defend the slender lead are far from manager Dermot Keely's plans.

City report no injuries from Tuesday's first leg and the squad trained at ALSAA last night in advance of Friday's second leg.

"We've set out to win every game we've played in this season," said Keely.

"It's taken me a  season to get them playing the way I want them to and it's a bit late to try and get them to attempt something else. We'll look to win the game and build on the advantage that we already have."

Keely will need all his vast experience to bring to bear on the occasion as his side stand 90 minutes away from top-flight football.

"Promotion was our goal when we set out and while a lot has been written about the prospects of Rovers going down, few have given us credit for bouncing back after relegation last season.

"People talk about it being a tragedy if Rovers go down, but for us it would be a tragedy not to go up."

Keely believes it will take another performance of commitment, character and belief if the Vikings are to bounce straight back into the Premier Division.

"We played well on Tuesday and dominated long spells of the game but I would expect a vastly improved showing from Rovers.

"There's little difference between 1-1 and 2-1, so Rovers are very much alive as far as I'm concerned.

"There's a long way to go in this fixture and we cannot afford a mediocre performance."

Dave McGill, a devoted Hoops fan, is confident that City can handle the occasion which is sure to be a passionate affair.

"We've got good players at City and we have a lot of belief.

"We can expect a backlash from Rovers, but we're very focussed and we know what is expected of us.

"We played well on Tuesday and our confidence levels are high and we'll look to continue on from where we left off at Dalymount."

Dublin City chief executive Ronan Seery has urged all Vikings fans to turn out in numbers and  rally behind the team.

"It's a night to stand up and be counted. I'd implore all Dublin City fans to come out and support the team.

"We had a decent crew on Tuesday night and if we can swell those numbers we can play our own part in helping the team achieve Premier Division football for this club."

Rovers' problems continue with boss Roddy Collins' suspension having been extended for a further five days.

Midfielder Willo McDonagh is suspended while veteran ex-Bray goalkeeper John Walsh comes straight into the side as an emergency signing to replace Barry Murphy who is out with an ankle injury sustained during the first leg.

"We didn’t get the performance we wanted on Tuesday night, so we have to produce one now," insists Rovers caretaker boss Alan O'Neill.

"It’s only half-time and it’s still in our hands. It’s up to the players now."

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