KERRY PROSPECT

Rovers looking good for league and cup double after demolition of men from the Kingdom..but World Cup-bound star Noonan a doubt for final

- PAUL O'HEHIR

SHAMROCK ROVERS won't stand in the way of Michael Noonan's World Cup dream but it is on a direct collision course with the FAI Cup final.

Noonan scored two goals in the Hoops' semi-final rout of Kerry at Tallaght Stadium - as did Graham Burke, while Dylan Watts and Cian Barrett got one each.

Noonan will be named in Ireland's squad for the Under-17 finals in Qatar in November and is now expected to miss the FAI Cup final against Cork City on November 9.

Rovers are also in Greece that week as they travel to play AEK Athens on Thursday, November 6 in a Europa Conference League clash. The World Cup takes place from November 3-27 and Ireland play group games against Panama on November 5, Uzbekistan on November 8 and Paraguay on November 11.

Considering his red-hot form, Noonan would be a serious FAI Cup final loss for the Hoops as the club chases a first league and cup double since 1987.

And manager Stephen Bradley admits he will check to see if there is any prospect Noonan could be involved in the final AND Ireland's campaign.

But after stuffing Kerry, Bradley said: "Michael will go to the World Cup. It's an incredible opportunity for him. It'll be a brilliant part of his development.