Rovers can maintain the feelgood factor

With neither of the top two teams in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division in action this weekend, the fixture list is not especially eye-catching.

Shamrock Rovers, who have a realistic chance of a top-three finish, will be looking on with envy at the prize-money Dundalk and Cork have ensured via European combat this term. Rovers are slipping back from their perch at the top of the league under Michael O’Neill and are not even odds-on with some firms for their visit to Bray.

Rovers can probably do better – at least temporarily – under Stephen Bradley. The players will enjoy having a manager happier to watch his side embrace a more attacking game. Bray, meanwhile, are improving.