After the first international break of the season, the Blues are back in action as we welcome Shamrock Rovers FC to the RSC for our latest SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game of the campaign, and we have everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.
Waterford FC vs Shamrock Rovers FC
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday 3rd April 2026
RSC, Waterford
7:45pm
WATERFORD FC
The Blues return back home for their fifth home league game of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division looking to defeat old-foes Shamrock Rovers this Friday evening at the RSC.
After the most recent international break, the Blues will look to bounce back from their 2-0 home defeat against St. Patrick’s Athletic prior to the international window.
The Blues fell to a 3-1 defeat to the Hoops last May before a narrow 2-1 defeat in September, as Jon Daly’s men look to defeat the reigning champions for the first time since 2024 tomorrow night.
SHAMROCK ROVERS FC
Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers side travel down to the RSC on Friday evening looking to continue their strong start to the season with a result at the RSC.
The Hoops’ start sees them head into the game sat in third position in the league table, with 15 points to their name from their opening 8 games as they sit three points behind league leaders Bohemians going into Friday’s game against the Blues.
Shamrock Rovers have added familiar faces to their side at the end of the Winter transfer window, with former Blues Maleace Asamoah & Tuinmise Solowale donning the green & white hoops now, as they’re expected to play a role in Friday’s game for the Hoops.
WATERFORD FC TEAM NEWS
Kevin Long will be in contention for Friday evening at the RSC, in what could be his first game for his new side.
Sam Glenfield, who came off in our last game against St. Patrick’s Athletic with a hamstring knock, will miss tomorrow evening’s game against Shamrock Rovers, as will Finlay Armstrong who continues his recovery.
Stephen McMullan & Tommy Lonergan both picked up knocks whilst on international duty with the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland U21s respectively, and will have to be assessed ahead of kick-off tomorrow.
Cian Barrett is unavailable for selection, as per the agreement of his loan deal with the Blues from Shamrock Rovers.
JON DALY’S THOUGHTS
“Shamrock Rovers are a very good side regardless of who they put on the pitch. They’ve got good strength & depth in their squad. But we’re at home, it’s important that we make sure we’re difficult to play against. No doubt it’ll be a tough & tight game, but it’s one that we’ll be well prepared for.
The squad are in good spirits. They’ve worked hard over the last two weeks, and everything has been geared towards fixing the issues we have had, and also focusing on how we can get the better of a very good Shamrock Rovers side.”
DEAN MCMENAMY’S THOUGHTS
“Everyone’s chomping at the bit raring to go tomorrow night to put things right. We owe it to ourselves, and especially the fans who have stuck with us every week, and we have to repay them on Friday and hopefully get the win.
The quality is in the squad. Every day, the gaffer says there’s quality all over the pitch. When you’re on a run like this, everything is against you. Once we get a win under our belt, you’ll see that confidence kick in under our belt and we’ll be able to look up from there. We’ve been in games, it’s just about getting over the line now.”
