Since beating Crumlin United on Monday, the word ‘Bohs’ has hardly been uttered without ‘Rovers’ accompanying it.
Sligo and Dundalk will want to put on their own FAI Cup semi-final show next weekend, but the clash of Dublin’s fiercest rivals a week tonight is a big draw.
The capital is abuzz with talk of a first FAI Cup tie between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers in 13 years - but Andy Lyons insists Bohs must park the chit-chat tonight.
Lifting the FAI Cup would also secure European football next summer, but Lyons wants it sealed before then and through the league having been in the hunt all season.
Bohs are third, two points clear of fourth-placed Derry City who host the Phibsborough side at the Brandywell tonight.
Both sides have Europe on their mind, with third spot guaranteeing a Europa League spin.
Fourth will only be good enough if one of the top three lifts the FAI Cup - but that prospect is looking increasingly likely.
Fullback Lyons, 19, said: “It’s massive for us tonight. It would be extra-special to win the FAI Cup and lift a trophy, and there’s the bonus of getting Europe from that.
“But we have to concentrate on the league right now and do as well as we can. We want to get Europe through that.
“We know how tough it’ll be against Derry. They’re a very good side and they brought Dundalk to penos (in the EA Sports Cup final) on Saturday.”
Yet while Bohs have business to take care of tonight, there is no escaping next weekend’s monster Cup clash at Dalymount Park.
Lyons had only turned six when the Hoops beat Bohs in their last FAI Cup tussle - a 2006 replay which cost Gareth Farrelly his job as Gypsies boss.
“I didn’t know (it was that long ago),” he says, wide-eyed with surprise. “It makes it all the more special. The fans will be well up for it so, even more than usual!
Raiding right-back Lyons - an Irish Under-19 star - helped tee up the game by scoring Bohs’ second goal in their 2-0 win over non-league Crumlin at Richmond Park.
“It was my first goal in a while but I said to Wardy (Keith Ward) before the match that I thought I'd get on the scoresheet and thankfully I did in the end,” he said.
Eyeing up the derby, Lyons expects it to be another ‘too close to call’ encounter.
Rovers’ recently ended their eight-game winless run against Bohs but neither side will read too much into the form book.
Lyons added: “It's pretty special for the two clubs and fans on both sides will be counting down the days and the stadium will be rocking.”
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