Cup tie has Keely back in Dundalk

TWO of last season's relegation victims, Athlone Town and Galway United, enjoy what will be a rare reprieve from First Division fare when they encounter former Premier Division allies in the League Cup quarter finals tonight.

The remaining tie obliges Cork to make a second unpromising trip to Dublin in 72 hours to face St Patrick's.

For Dermot Keely, renewing old acquaintances will be especially poignant as he takes his Athlone side (unbeaten in five outings, admittedly none against Premier teams) to Oriel Park, where he won the title as manager with Dundalk two seasons ago. Given his less than effusive relationship with his former chairman, Enda McGuill, Keey would relish the chance to claim he left Dundalk in arguably better health than they are now.

Not that the auguries for an upset are good. Ironically no one helped Dundalk's title win more than Athlone, who denied Derry on the last day, after Dundalk had been the only championship contenders to take nine points from the midlanders. One draw in their last six meetings is the summit of Athlone's achievements.

Like Dundalk, Derry have won this competition four times. Galway, unbeaten in four games, will at least have home advantage against Felix Healy's league leaders and formally welcome back Peter Carpenter after injury. But Noel Mernagh (groin), Martin McDonnell (calf) and John Brennan (Achilles) are all very doubtful, while, for all their supposed shortcomings in front of goal, Derry have scored 16 times in six competitive outings.

Brian Morrisroe (swollen glands), Jason Byrne and Gareth Byrne (both flu) are sidelined for St Patrick's, which may mean a start for Martin Reilly,

Cork manager Dave Barry has sardonically thanked the powers that be "for doing us no favours" with their itinerary, and has made it abundantly clear that next Sunday's visit of Finn Harps in the league is their priority.