Tallaght welcomes Bohemians for the first time on Saturday when the Gypsies face Shamrock Rovers in an eagerly-awaited Dublin derby.

Bohs claimed bragging rights with a victory over the Hoops earlier in the season, but a win for Rovers on Saturday would put them within two points of their local rivals.


Goalkeeper Barry Murphy believes that Rovers are capable of claiming all three points in what he knows will be a special night for Rovers fans.


“Derby games between Rovers and Bohs are always major occasions, but this one’s even bigger than usual as it’s the first meeting at Tallaght Stadium," said Murphy.

 
“All the players want to be involved in this one, while it’s extra special for the fans who’ve been waiting so long to host Bohs in their own home after all this time.
 

“We’re a different side to the one that to Bohs lost earlier this season at Dalymount. We’ve setlled a lot since then and grown with the experience of the last couple of months.
 

“We know we’ve every chance in this game. We’re a better and stronger side and we’ll be very confident and can’t wait for Saturday night to come around.”
 

Hoops manager Michael O'Neill is looking forward to leading his troops out in front of another capacity crowd at the Tallaght Stadium.


“We’re aware of the significance of this game to the supporters, and it’s another big night and yet another full house at Tallaght Stadium," he said. Of course we’re looking forward to it.
 

“I watched them last week up in the Brandywell and saw how Derry City celebrated their win. It shows that Bohemians are the benchmark team in the Premier Division.
 

“We’ll be able to see what progress we’ve made since the last time we played them, which was very early on in the season. Although we lost 2-0 I felt we played quite well.


“That was also a very good game of football. I’d be looking for a similar quality this time around – but with a different result.”

Bohemians will wear pink jerseys during Saturday night's match in order to raise money for Breast Cancer Action. The two clubs have agreed that in their four matches this season the visiting club will wear a special pink strip in order to raise €10,000 for the charity.