Team News : “Ultimately it’s about attacking the game. In knockout football it’s simple, it’s all about winning.” | OneFootball

The Reds continue their Sports Direct FAI Cup campaign this weekend with a trip to Inchicore to face St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park (5pm – live on LOITV).

Shelbourne Head Coach Joey O’Brien has reported no fresh injury concerns following Tuesday’s European tie. The Reds came through that game without any new knocks, and O’Brien will have a strong squad to choose from for Sunday’s Cup clash. O’Brien told ShelbourneFC.ie: “The group has recovered well after Tuesday. We’ve had a good few days’ training and everyone is in good shape. Tyreke got great news on his injury and shouldn’t be too far away now. Jack (Henry Francis) is back in training and Sean (Boyd) has started doing some pitch work again. It’s great to see those bodies coming back into the group, especially with the fixtures we have coming up.”

The focus quickly turned from Europe to preparing for Sunday’s Cup tie, with the response in training encouraging. Joey O’Brien, Shelbourne FC Head Coach said: “There was hurt in the dressing room after the result in Europe, but now it’s about turning that hurt into hunger. That starts tomorrow, and it’s about pushing on towards the back end of the season.”

“The lads have trained really well this week, the intensity has been good, and everyone is raring to go.” Shels have had the better of the Saints in league meetings this season, winning twice and drawing once, but O’Brien is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits in the Cup: “It’s been tight between the sides this season, really exciting games, and both teams look to play good football. With it being a Dublin derby, on a great pitch, I’m expecting another good game.”

The Reds boss says his side will be positive in their approach, with no room for hesitation in a knockout tie: “Ultimately it’s about attacking the game. In knockout football it’s simple, it’s all about winning. ”A big away following is expected once again, and O’Brien was keen to acknowledge the backing the fans have given the team all season: “The fans are so important for us, the atmosphere they have created over the season and especially the last few weeks has been great. They’ve travelled with us up and down the country, and beyond, backing the team everywhere. Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about at the end of the night.