Rice and Brennan back for derby

LEAGUE OF IRELAND:SHAMROCK ROVERS midfielder Stephen Rice and winger Killian Brennan return to league action following suspension for their game against Bohemians at Dalymount Park tonight. Striker Ciarán Kilduff and fringe defender Seán Gannon remain sidelined with injuries.

Bohemians captain Owen Heary is still struggling with a hamstring strain, though fellow defender Evan McMillan is back from suspension. Striker Dave Scully, sent off against St Patrick’s last week, is banned.

Apart from long-term injured Mark Rossiter, winger Jake Kelly (hamstring) is St Patrick’s only injury concern ahead of Shelbourne’s visit to Richmond Park.

Winger Anto Murphy is suspended for Shelbourne, while Glenn Cronin is their chief injury doubt due to an ankle knock.

A calf injury is hampering striker Mark Quigley ahead of leaders Sligo Rovers’ game at Dundalk. Manager Ian Baraclough is without suspended defenders Alan Keane and Jason McGuinness.

Dundalk expect defender Derek Foran to be passed fit following an ankle injury, while midfielder Stephen McDonnell and striker Michael Rafter return from suspension. Goalkeeper Ger Hanley is out for two months having broken his wrist on his league debut at UCD last week. Defender Ben McLaughlin and striker Bob McKenna are on holidays.

Conor McMahon has become the second ex-Monaghan United player, following another defender Alan Byrne’s arrival last week, to join Drogheda United as they prepare for the trip to Derry City.

Shane Grimes remains sidelined pending his hearing after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Defenders Stewart Greacen, who has an ankle injury anyway, and Ryan McBride are absent due to suspension for Derry. Winger Owen Morrison is an injury doubt, though midfielders Barry Molloy (knee) and Kevin Deery, who is recovering from knee surgery, remain out.

Ahead of their trip to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray, Cork City manager Tommy Dunne has defender-cum-midfielder John Dunleavy available following suspension while Dan Murray hopes to make his return after a groin problem. Pierce Sweeney is Bray’s only doubt due to illness.