Stephen Bradley felt the best way to ensure his players are ready for Friday’s battle with Bohs was to play them all against Dundalk.
The Hoops season hinges on winning the FAI Cup having finished second best to the Lilwyhites in the league.
But despite the significance of this Friday’s FAI Cup semi-final against Bohs, Bradley refused to take his big hitters out of the Oriel Park firing line.
“We looked at it over the year and this group is at their best when they’ve had regular games,” he said.
“When they’ve had a break, we’ve come back and been off it. Take Pat’s last Friday, I felt we were off where we’ve been because of the break the week before.
“This group has always responded to regular games.”
Heading to Dalymount on Friday, Rovers have rid themselves of their unwanted record against their arch rivals.
The recent league win bucked an eight-game winless streak against the Gypsies and Bradley admits it will help.
Bradley said: “Our performances have been decent and we’ll go there Friday with a game plan and fully focused on winning the game.”
But Bradley doffed his ap at Dundalk for their title win and added: “We didn’t lose it on Monday, and Dundalk didn’t win it on Monday.
“I thought it was two really good sides having a right go at each other.
“But they won it over the course of the season and the best team wins the league.
“They’ve been the best team this year.”
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