Dungannon Swifts 'motivated' to reach Irish Cup quarter-final says Dean Shiels

The Swifts travel to Knockbreda for the second year running in the competition and Shiels is fully aware of the task in hand for his players this afternoon.

The County Tyrone side won that battle last year 2-0 as Ryan Mayse and Rhyss Campbell got on the scoresheet at Breda Park.

“It’s a chance to get to the Irish Cup quarter-finals so we know that carrot is there as motivation,” Shiels said. “We’ve got to prepare right, we’ve got to look as to how we can be more effective in the final third and it’s going to be tough.

“We went there last year and it was a tough game and the pitch was really poor, so you have to take all those elements in and find a way to win.

“It was difficult last year and we have to be on it, otherwise we will be put out – it’s as simple as that.

“We’ve had them watched and given them our total respect.

“They are in the same round as us on merit so we will have to be at our best to get through.”

Both clubs are fighting for survival in their respective divisions and Shiels believes the cup tie will bring ‘respite’ from the rigours of trying to avoid relegation.

Despite only bringing in two players in the January transfer window – including a late loan move for Jordan Jenkins – the Swifts boss believes his side are continually improving.

“The Irish Cup is a welcome break from the league,” he added. “The pressure of the league is intense every week because you’re fighting and scraping for every point.

“The cup gives you that relief.

“A lot of teams think new signings will make them better but we are slowly improving as the season progresses.

“We have improved dramatically and we will keep pushing them on."

The Swifts couldn’t make it five consecutive home wins in the Danske Bank Premiership last weekend as they were beaten 3-0 by Coleraine at Stangmore Park.

Knockbreda beat St Mary’s in the last round but will be looking to respond after a 4-0 away defeat at Warrenpoint Town on Tuesday night, which sees them remain bottom of the Championship table.