National League

St Patrick's Ath v Galway Utd, Richmond Park, 7.45It's been a tough week down at Galway where only two of last week's 11 starters were fit enough to train on Sunday. Since then the bodies have been returning to action one by one and the recovery rate has been such that manager Don O'Riordan is hopeful he will have virtually a full squad to choose from. Definitely out, however, is Tom Silke, who will be serving a suspension but Kieran Foley, having consulted a specialist yesterday, is reckoned to be sufficiently over his shoulder injury to come back into the United defence for the first time since the Derry match at the start of October.

"It will be an important boost to have Kieran back," says O'Riordan "but more important is the fact we finally look like we're getting back to a situation where we will be able to put our strongest team out for a game which, after the run of results we have had, would be welcome."

St Patrick's, meanwhile, hope to be able to include Paul Osam and Ger McCarthy in their starting line up despite niggling injuries that have continued to trouble the pair over the course of the week.

Osam (groin) and McCarthy (calf) remain doubtful for Pat Dolan's starting 11 but if the pair come through late fitness tests then the hosts could well field the same line up as started last Friday night against Shelbourne.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Galway United 1 St Patrick's Ath 2, St Patrick's Ath 3 Galway United 0, Galway United 1 St Patrick's Ath 0; 00/01: Galway United 1 St Patrick's Ath 1.

Recent league form: St Patrick's Ath: D D D W L; Galway United: L L L W D.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's Ath: Kelly (six); Galway United: Lavine (nine).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 9/4, Away: 4/1.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.