League Cup - First Round

Limerick FC v Cobh Ramblers (Hogan Park, 7.45)

Neither side is getting too carried away with their pleasing starts to the season, with this game affording some respite for the more challenging times ahead. With both unbeaten in their three league games, something has to give tonight with these League Cup matches played to a finish with extra-time and penalties if necessary.

First Division leaders Cobh have Packie Kelly available again while Pat Maher will play to restore some match fitness following suspension and injury. Limerick hope to be at full strength but manager Tommy Lynch waits on Ray O'Halloran (groin) and John Whyte (stomach).

Galway Utd v Athlone Town (Terryland Park, 7.45)

Galway Manager Don O'Riordan's unwanted early season contact with hospitals has taken a happy twist this week with the news that midfielder Michael Keane's leg is not broken after all.

Keane injured himself in a freak training accident last week and has been in plaster since been told his leg was broken. Keane, however, wanted a second opinion and saw a specialist who has happily reassured him that the hospital somehow got it wrong.

O'Riordan will give 19-year-old goalkeeper David Forde his debut tonight while former club captain Ollie Neary will also start in midfield.

Athlone welcome back Conor Frawley from injury though he is not guaranteed a starting place, even though central defender Alan Oliver has gone on holidays.

Waterford Utd V Newbridge Town (Regional Sports Centre, 7.30)

David Whittle, signed on a three-month contract, makes his debut for Waterford against non-league Newbridge as manager Mike Flanagan strives to kick-start his season after two bad defeats in the league.

Defender-cum-midfielder, Whittle, 20, is a native of Waterford, and was a member of Brian Kerr's under-20 side that finished third at the World Cup in Malaysia two years ago. He returns home from QPR after failing to break into the first team during his three years at Loftus Road. Whittle gets his chance immediately with both Sean Riordan and Derek McGrath injured.

Contrary to speculation that former Nigerian international striker Dominic Iorfa, has left the club, Flanagan insists he's only gone away for a week or so on family business.

Newbridge, the Leinster Senior League champions, beat Shrewsbury Town and held Shelbourne to a draw in pre-season friendlies with a predominantly Kildare-based team. Manager Michael Geoghegan is hoping to sign Mark Mulraney on loan from St Patrick's Athletic before the game.

St Patrick's Ath v Shamrock Rvs (Richmond Park, 7.45)

Eddie Gormley should make his return to the St Patrick's midfield having completed a two-match suspension.

The club captain replaces impressive newcomer Shane Harte who was stretchered off with an ankle injury in Friday's draw with UCD at Belfield. Paul Osam and Willie Burke are still sidelined with achilles injuries.

Shamrock Rovers will also make changes with Marc Kenny likely to start in place of Jason Colwell whom he replaced after the latter was slightly concussed during Sunday's win over Finn Harps.

Brian Byrne, striving for match fitness, can expect a longer run out than the few minutes he got on Sunday, though manager Damien Richardson says he won't start.