Linfield manager David Jeffrey face a tough Setanta game in Dublin

LINFIELD manager David Jeffrey says his players are “really focused on doing our best in the Setanta Cup” as they prepare to face Shamrock Rovers.

The clubs meet in the first leg of the quarter-final match at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on Monday night (7.30 pm kick off).

Bus loads of Linfield fans set off on Monday lunchtime for the game and where being met by Gardai.

It is the last competition for Linfield to win a bit of silverwar in what has been a disappointing season.

“The season has not gone as we would’ve liked but I believe we can do very well in this competition,” said Jeffrey.

“All the players are very determined,” added the Blues’ boss, who indicated that his side will draw inspiration from the last competitive meeting between the sides in 1984.

On that occasion Jeffrey scored the winning goal to secure his side’s passage into the second round of the European Cup on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.

Linfield will be without Mark McAllister and Michael Gault, who both carry over suspensions from last year’s competition.

Rovers have new manager Trevor Croly at the helm and their squad includes ex-Blues striker Thomas Stewart, who spent two years at Windsor Park.

Linfield won the inaugural Setanta Cup competition in 2005, while Shamrock Rovers lifted the trophy in 2011.

MONDAY NIGHT’S FIXTURES: