St Patrick’s Athletic’s quest to end their wait for another FAI Cup win continues when they meet Drogheda United at Richmond Park.
The Saints last won the competition in 1961 and after receiving a bye to the last eight after the withdrawal of Monaghan United, hopes remain they can finally bring the trophy back to Inchicore this season.
Mick Cooke’s Drogheda are chasing Sligo Rovers in the final matches in the Airtricity Premier Division title race, and next week they meet Shamrock Rovers in the EA Sports Cup final.
It is a remarkable achievement by the Boynesiders and they come into the game on the back of two hard-fought wins in the league, including over Derry City on Monday.
Cooke will be without his Monaghan contingent who are cup-tied for the trip to Inchicore.
Jason Marks, Alan Byrne, Conor McMahon and Michael Schlingermann will not feature.
Cooke said: “Monday night showed that we really don't do things the easy way. It's the second home game in a row we've had to come from behind and in Bray we took the lead and lost it and had to do it all over again, but it demonstrates the tremendous character that's in this team.
“Getting six points at the weekend was a massive bonus to us, we've now got a small break from the league which we are going to enjoy.The cup is an entirely different prospect but we may have a slight advantage in that we have won up there already. But I'd prefer if the game was in Drogheda.
“We are half-way through the biggest month in the club's season and it's so far so good, there's a great buzz around the club and all the players are up for this.”
Jake Kelly, Dean Kelly and Mark Rossiter remain on the sidelines for the Saints. John Russell and Hernany Macedo face late fitness tests.
Liam Buckley is aware of what it means to the Pat’s fans: "We've had some good wins lately and Drogheda have been going well for a long time now. We know we'll get nothing easy against them, but it's a game we're all relishing. The Cup is a special competition so we’ll be going all out to win and get into the semi-finals."
