Barry faces anxious wait

Dave Barry and Damien Richardson face some anxious moments in their build ups to tomorrow's second round tie of the Harp Lager FAI Cup at Morton stadium (2.0) with both men being forced to make late final checks on the fitness of key players.

With four players (Declan Daly, Noel Mooney, Kelvin Flanagan and Gerald Dobbs) definitely out of his starting line-up, Barry looks to be the worst off.

He must wait until lunchtime tomorrow before making final calls on Liam O'Brien (hamstring), Pat Morley (back) and Anthony Buckley (ankle).

Dave Hill is still struggling with a knee problem but, given Daly's absence, the Englishman will have to play regardless.

It's a sentiment that is shared by Richardson whose main concern appears to centre on whether left full-back Tommy Dunne recovers from bout of flu.

If Dunne makes it then Billy Woods will be free to move to the left side of midfield which would allow Brian Byrne to slot in up front if Graham Lawlor falls foul of the dreaded bug. Tony Cousins is still felt to be too short of match fitness to start.

With Tony O'Dowd another doubt for the home side, Robbie Horgan stands by, while Marc Kenny's suspension leaves Richardson to decide whether to push Richie Purdy into central midfield or take a chance with one of the club's less experienced players.

Whatever the eventual lineups, both managers insist that they are expecting a repeat of last weekend's open football with Richardson hoping that the change of venue and his club's special history in the competition will see revenge for Sunday's defeat in Cork.

Both teams will be aware that the cup now looks their best chance of winning a trophy and both managers are keen that the game is decided on the day.