Treble-chasers Dundalk have suffered a huge blow ahead of the FAI Cup final, as it has been confirmed that Chris Shields will be suspended for the clash with Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium.
Midfielder Shields, who is the reigning FAI League of Ireland Player of the Year, will miss the game as he has accumulated eight yellow cards throughout the season.
There is an amnesty in place for players who reach the first suspension mark of five yellows, which means they would still be eligible to play in a national final.
But Shields was handed his eighth yellow in Dundalk's 1-0 defeat to Cork City in the Premier Division earlier this month and following a disciplinary hearing his one-game ban will now apply on Sunday.
The club stalwart is in his eighth season with the Lilywhites and signed a new long-term contract back in April.
He has won five league titles, two FAI Cups, two EA Sports Cups and two President's Cups throughout his time at the club.
His absence represents a major blow for Vinny Perth's charges, who lifted the Premier Division trophy after a 4-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic last weekend.
Having previously secured the EA Sports Cup, Dundalk are now chasing a first ever domestic treble this weekend, aiming to match the Derry City team of 1989.
Follow both FAI Cup finals this Sunday via our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the News Now app, or watch exclusive live coverage on RTÉ2 and worldwide on the RTÉ Player from 11.45am. Live national radio commentary of Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport.
