Record league crowd for Tallaght Stadium expected when Shamrock Rovers host Dundalk

Tallaght Stadium is braced for a record league crowd at the venue when Shamrock Rovers host Dundalk in Friday’s top-of-the-table clash.

Last season, 7,021 fans packed into the south Dublin ground for Shamrock Rovers 1-0 derby win over Bohemians.

But that figure is expected to be surpassed when the champions pitch up to face the FAI Cup winners in their first head-to-head this season.

Rovers and Dundalk have both made perfect starts to the season with three league wins from three respectively.

The Hoops will be without Graham Burke who is facing three weeks out with a calf injury but new striker Rory Gaffney will feature if his clearance comes through.

Dundalk hope that new Serbian recruit Stefan Colovic will join them for training this week but it is unclear if he will feature in Friday’s game.

The Lilywhites could have Patrick McEleney and Georgie Kelly - both yet to feature this season after knocks - available for the televised game.