Shane Duggan has his goal as Limerick bring it all back home

His father having scored the last league goal at the venue 31 years ago provides added resonance for current Limerick captain Shane Duggan as the club finally arrives back at its spiritual home of the refurbished Markets Field this evening.

Drogheda United are the visitors as Duggan and his team-mates will strive to add a first win of the season to make the homecoming all the better.

“I think it’s a must-win,” said Duggan as Limerick sit six points adrift at the foot of the Premier Division table. “There are still a lot of points to be played for, but we need to start picking up wins now. We can’t let the teams above us pull away any further. We don’t want the gap getting too big, where it gets too hard to claw back. It’s a very winnable game.

‘Good atmosphere’

“It’s our first game back. Hopefully there’s a good atmosphere and the crowd come out, support us and get behind us.”

On a personal level, Duggan would also relish getting on the score sheet.

“My father (Ger) always spoke about the games they had there and the success they had throughout the years,” said Duggan of the Garryowen venue. “They had great crowds and great support. My father was the last player to score a league goal for Limerick there before they moved on, so it would be nice to get a goal.”

Full-backs Sean Harding and Colm Murphy are out injured for Martin Russell's side while they wait on the availability of Paudie O'Connor who is sitting his Leaving Cert.

Suspension deprives Drogheda of defender Shane Dunne and striker Daryl Kavanagh.

Elsewhere, champions Dundalk, six points clear at the top of the table, have Brian Gartland, Darren Meehan and captain Stephen O'Donnell back fit to give manager Stephen Kenny a full squad ahead of Bohemians' visit to Oriel Park.

If only Keith Long, Bohemians' boss, was so fortunate as Marc Griffin has joined Derek Pender, Anto Murphy and Paddy Kavanagh on their injured list and Dean Kelly is a doubt.

A hip injury rules Keith Fahey out of Shamrock Rovers' game with Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. Manager Pat Fenlon's other midfield regular, Patrick Cregg, is suspended while striker Danny North remains out following knee surgery. Defender Jeff Henderson is Sligo's only injury absentee.