League of Ireland Premier Division

Tolka Park, Friday, 7.45 PM

Champions Shelbourne will welcome arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Dublin derby. Damien Duff’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, registering wins over Derry City (3-1) and Waterford (1-0). Another victory here would send out a strong statement of intent.

A sell-out crowd of 5,100 is expected at the famous Drumcondra venue, and the home side has received a major boost with a fully fit squad available for selection.

For Shamrock Rovers, this fixture provides a chance to make a statement after being edged out by Shels for the title on the final day of last season. Stephen Bradley’s side endured a disappointing opening-day defeat to Bohemians but had last weekend off due to a postponement, giving them extra time to prepare.

The 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 Derby in the 1920s, the 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮 Derby in the 1990s.

No matter the name, no matter the decade.

The 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆 Shels v Rovers is a big one. pic.twitter.com/8C5xR09QpS

— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) February 26, 2025

Shelbourne Team News & Preview

Shels’ strong start has been built on a solid defensive foundation and an ability to take chances when they come. New signings Mipo Odubeko, Ellis Chapman, Daniel Kelly, and Ryan O’Kane have settled in well, adding quality to Duff’s squad.

Duff knows that derby wins will be vital if Shelbourne are to retain their crown.

“Derbies were a topic we referenced in a team meeting this morning,” he said. “They’re not about bragging rights, they’re about putting points on the board. If you want to win the league, you have to win Dublin derbies.

“You also need a strong points return from Friday-to-Monday games. More often than not, if you manage that, you’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

With back-to-back games in quick succession, Duff has highlighted the importance of squad depth, praising his medical and coaching staff for keeping players fit.

Shamrock Rovers Team News & Preview

Rovers’ title defence crumbled in the early months of last season, and Bradley is determined to ensure they hit their levels consistently this time around.

“We just need to be better than what we were last season,” Bradley said. “We don’t look at any individual team, we never have or never will. It’s more about what we know—if we do what we do to our best, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of being successful.

“Last season we didn’t do that domestically. The second half of the season was good, but that’s not enough at this club. It’s not enough to do it for four or five months, and we know that wasn’t acceptable.”

Bradley is boosted by the return of Jack Byrne, Trevor Clarke, and Adam Matthews, though Darragh Nugent and Danny Mandroiu remain out.

Despite Shels’ improvements, the Rovers boss isn’t expecting any major tactical surprises from the hosts.

“They’ve added some good players, but they pretty much do similar things,” he noted. “They’re good at what they do, but it’s similar to what they’ve done last season and the one before.”

Key Battle: Shelbourne’s Defence vs Rovers’ Attack

Shels had the best record in Dublin derbies last season, and their defensive structure frustrated Rovers at times. Rovers, meanwhile, will look to Johnny Kenny, Graham Burke, and Aaron Greene to provide the firepower needed to break through.

Match Prediction

Shelbourne have momentum and home advantage, but Rovers’ extra preparation time could prove crucial. Expect a tight and physical contest under the Tolka Park lights.

Prediction: Shelbourne 2-1 Shamrock Rovers

Team News

Shelbourne

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Darragh Nugent, Danny Mandroiu

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Match Details

Fixture: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers

Venue: Tolka Park, Dublin

Kick-off: 7.45 PM

Referee: Neil Doyle

The post Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The League of Ireland Premier and First Divisions are set to resume shortly with the 2021 season rapidly approaching. With that, there will be several players looking to establish themselves as key players for their respective teams.

Players from a number of different avenues will be keen to impress including those promoted from their team’s youth system, fringe players and arrivals from other leagues.

Here are some players who we feel could impress in the Premier and First Division in the coming season.

PREMIER DIVISION

JOE HODGE – DERRY CITY – MIDFIELDER

Highly-rated Manchester City midfielder Joe Hodge joined Derry City on loan last month to the surprise of many League of Ireland fans.

The 18-year-old midfielder has an ever-growing reputation and has been touted as a potential star of the future.

Some of his achievements to date include winning Manchester City Scholar of the Year, Republic of Ireland u17 Player of the Year and helping his Manchester City side to the FA Youth Cup last year.

Hodge is a technical, diminutive midfielder with a combative edge. Some Ireland fans will be aware of his quality from watching him in various underage tournaments.

Unfortunately Hodge sustained an injury recently which may keep him from playing the opening weeks of the season. However, if he can keep fit, he could become one of Derry City’s standout players.

WHAT A GOAL!!!

Joe Hodge capped his #IRLU19 debut with a sweet strike #NORIRL#U19EURO pic.twitter.com/c3PAchUmLv

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) JULY 15, 2019

BASTIEN HERY – BOHEMIANS – MIDFIELDER

Most League of Ireland fans will be familiar with Bastien Hery from his time at Limerick and Waterford. He played a handful of seasons for both clubs before heading up north to sign for Linfield.

After just over one year in Northern Ireland, Hery returned to the Republic for the upcoming season as he signed with Dublin club Bohemians.

A highly-technical and exciting midfielder, Hery should have what it takes to establish himself as a key member in the Bohemians starting XI.

His performances in the 2018 League of Ireland season seen him named in the Team of the Year. Bohemians fans will be hoping he can produce similar displays this time around.

DANNY MANDROIU – SHAMROCK ROVERS – MIDFIELDER

Once considered a key player – if not the key player – in the Bohemians side, Mandroiu’s gametime dramatically decreased towards the backend of last season, suggesting there could be internal problems between the player and club.

In light of his lack of playing time, most expected Mandroiu would leave Bohemians at the end of last season. However, few would have anticipated where he’d end up.

In what could be construed as a slap in the face to Bohemians and their supporters, he decided to join fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers for the 2021 season.

The former Ireland u21 midfielder is an immense talent and undoubtedly one of the best footballers in the league. He could be just what Rovers need to fill the void left by the departure of Jack Byrne.

RYAN O’KANE – DUNDALK – WINGER

Dundalk have signed a myriad of international talent over the transfer window. However, local teenager Ryan O’Kane might be the most exciting of the lot.

O’Kane signed a three-year professional contract with the Lilywhites ahead of the 2021 season and he could play a pivotal role this year, despite his young age.

The 17-year-old made his unofficial debut for Dundalk last Friday in a friendly against Bohemians with many viewers claiming he was man of the match.

Before signing for Dundalk, O’Kane played in the Northern Irish top-flight for Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville, making his debut at the age of 15 for the former.

It’s unlikely that O’Kane will become a key player for Dundalk this season given his age and lack of experience. Nevertheless, there’s every chance he could become a useful rotation option.

LOI TALENT WATCH: Thread on the excellent performance of Dundalk’s 17 year-old debutant winger Ryan O’Kane in their friendly against Bohemians on Friday pic.twitter.com/Q832HDLxtT

— Kenny’s Kids (@KennysKids) FEBRUARY 27, 2021

Honourable mentions: Conor Kane (Drogheda United), Aaron Bolger (Longford Town), Liam Burt (Bohemians).

FIRST DIVISION

BRANDON KAVANAGH – BRAY WANDERERS – MIDFIELDER

Most League of Ireland fans will already be aware of Brandon Kavanagh. The 20-year-old midfielder has been in and around the Shamrock Rovers first team for years but has yet failed to establish himself as a regular.

Kavanagh spent last season playing in the First Division with Shamrock Rovers II. He impressed so much with his performances that he was included in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year.

He even managed to garner interest from Crystal Palace with his impressive performances. However, he remains a Shamrock Rovers player for the time being.

Although many thought Kavanagh was poised to establish himself as a key member of the Rover’s first team this season, he will instead ply his trade in the First Division again, this time on loan at Bray Wanderers.

A highly technical and creative midfielder, Brandon Kavanagh could be just what Bray Wanderers need in establishing a title challenge.

YOYO MAHDY – SHELBOURNE – STRIKER

Shelbourne suffered the heartbreak of losing the promotion/relegation play-off final to Longford Town last season meaning they were relegated to the First Division.

They have, however, recruited well for the upcoming season.

Yoyo Mahdy is just one of those recruits looking to make an impact.

Mahdy played for UCD in the First Division last season and finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals, just ahead of his teammate Colm Whelan who scored 14.

Clearly Mahdy knows where the back of the net is. He should score numerous goals this season given he’s provided adequate service.

RICARDO DINANGA – CORK CITY – WINGER

From league champions to relegation in a matter of 3 years. Cork City had a horrific 2020 season, finishing bottom of the table with just 11 points in 18 games.

Although relegation is obviously a negative thing, it may provide an opportunity for some younger players to break into the first team.

Of all their prospects, Dinanga might just be the one with the most potential.

The 19-year-old featured sporadically in the first team last season, scoring a couple of goals in the process.

Perhaps his most memorable moment last season came after scoring a brilliant extra time winner against Longford Town in the FAI Cup. He cut inside from the right-wing after latching onto a long ball, beat his man and finished with his left foot into the top corner.

If there’s any player that could break into the Cork starting XI this season, it’s Dinanga.

INCREDIBLE! LAST MINUTE!

What a goal and @CorkCityFC take the lead (1-0)

WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20 #WATCHLOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/3uPfaAIkOr

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) AUGUST 11, 2020

RONAN MANNING – GALWAY UNITED – MIDFIELDER

Despite finishing bottom of the First Division last season, Athlone Town showed glimpses of promise under manager Adrian Carberry.

Their best player was Ronan Manning. He now finds himself at Galway United for the upcoming season.

Manning scored 8 goals in 18 league appearances last term and will be hoping for a similar turn for Galway United.

Manning is a Galway native and has played for the club before between 2017 and 2018. He then took a break from football in 2019 before signing for Athlone in 2020, a decision which proved to be fruitful.

Galway are one of the promotion favourites this season having ended the 2020 season strongly under the guidance of John Caulfield.

Manning could prove a vital player if Galway are to find themselves at the top end of the First Division table.

Honourable mentions: Dylan McGlade (Cork City), Joel Coustrain (Treaty United), Killian Cantwell (Athlone Town).

The post League of Ireland players to watch in 2021 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.