Rovers know what they face but not who

With all but two third-round ties yet to be decided, last night's FAI Cup quarter-final draw failed to produce a single tie of any certainty, though Shamrock Rovers know they'll be away from home for the clash of the round.

Damien Richardson's side were rewarded for their win in Ballybofey over the weekend with a trip to either Shelbourne or Derry City.

In line with tradition, Richardson put a brave face on it, welcoming the opportunity to be involved in another "big game" rather than running the risk of falling prey to the banana skin factor of cup competition.

In reality, though, he must have regarded the draws involving other Premier Division clubs with some degree of envy.

UCD boss Martin Moran was certainly in no doubt about the desirability of "sneaking into the semi-finals" after his side were drawn away to either Athlone Town or Cobh Ramblers in the event that they can beat Waterford United tomorrow night.

"Well, we should be capable of beating Waterford and after that you'd prefer to be going to either Athlone or Cobh than the likes of Rovers, Bohemians or Shelbourne. Once you avoid the likes of them you have to be satisfied really."

It was a view shared by the Bohemians camp after the Dubliners were handed a trip to either Kilkenny or Cherry Orchard.