FAI National League

New signing Raymond McCoy, a midfielder who can play up front, goes into Jim McLaughlin's squad for this National League Premier Division clash after arriving from Glenavon yesterday while there is also likely to be room on the bench for local teenager David Ward following a run of impressive showings in reserve and friendly matches.

Neither, though, is likely to break into a Lillywhite's team unchanged for the last three matches and unbeaten since the opening day in Cork. The home side will be looking to extend that run this evening against a team that is basically struggling to get by until its injury problems clear up.

That's still some way off, however, and the casualty list is longer than usual this evening with hamstring pulls keeping Robbie and David Walsh out while John Power (flu) and Craig Maher (fractured cheekbone) will also sit this one out.

"As it is we'll be lucky to get three subs out," says Alfie Hale who does at least have Brian Arrigan back after a prolonged absence. Recently signed defender Pat Roche is likely to get another run out while Eamonn Synnott, better known for his hurling, will probably figure at some stage of the proceedings.

Last season: Did not meet.

Recent league form: Dundalk: DDDWW, Kilkenny: LWLLL.

Leading scorers: Dundalk: Melvin (three), Kilkenny: Hale (two).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).