SOCCER LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION:STEPHEN KENNY'S injury list will look a little less attractive to Bohemians fans this morning than it did in the middle of last week with Kenny set to be down at least as many first team regulars for the visit of Shamrock Rovers this evening as they were for the defeat by Pat Fenlon's side 10 days ago.
Derry City look likely to be without Clive Delaney, Stephen Gray, Peter Hutton, Ger O’Brien, Sammy Morrow, Tommy Stewart and Mark Farren for the visit of Michael O’Neill’s men and in the circumstances, the northerners will do well to end their recent run of disappointing results.
That will suit Rovers as tonight’s trip looks, at first glance, to be one of the sternest tests of their run-in. The Dubliners will be without suspended full back Pat Sullivan, while Gary Twigg and Ian Bermingham are major injury doubts.
“Ian’s been missing for a while,” said manager Michael O’Neill, “so it would be good to have him back. As for Twiggy, everyone knows how long a season he’s had – but we’re hoping he’ll be available.”
Bohemians will look to bounce back from the defeat in Tallaght last week with a win over Drogheda United at Dalymount Park. The title holders have taken seven points from Alan Mathews’ side to date this season but three of those have been down to very late goals in the last two games, so there is unlikely to be any great complacency on Fenlon’s part heading into the contest.
The hosts still have Gary Deegan suspended, while Jason McGuinness and Mark Rossiter are both out with groin strains; the latter for the rest of the season by the looks of things. Anto Murphy and Killian Brennan are both back from suspension, while United have a doubt about Robbie Farrell, who faces a late fitness test.
Elsewhere, there were further difficulties in Cork yesterday with players apparently threatening to boycott training after more problems with the payment of their wages. Assuming the problem is overcome in some way, City will be without Stephen O’Donnell (suspended), Joe Gamble and Timmy Kiely (both injured) for tonight’s trip to Bray. The hosts will finally have Paul Byrne available again, while Derek Foran returns from suspension but John Mulroy is out.
Dundalk have Michael Daly and Alex Williams suspended, while St Patrick’s Athletic will still be without Dave Partridge and Jamie Harris. Mark Quigley returns from suspension but Declan O’Brien is ineligible under the terms of his loan deal.
