Palmer to miss start of regime

Roddy Collins will take charge of Shamrock Rovers for the first time this evening when the Hoops take on Bohemians at Tolka Park (kick-off 7.45).

Collins' first task is to arrest the slide that has seen Rovers go 14 games without a win and secure their Premier Division status. However, he goes into the the Dublin derby without captain Terry Palmer, who is absent with a groin strain. Midfielder Mark O'Brien is also ruled out through suspension while Keith Doyle is doubtful with a foot problem.

Bohemians, meanwhile, look set to be without Simon Webb (ankle) while Stephen Rice is suspended, yet will be confident of securing third spot with a win.

Elsewhere, Cork City will be aiming to keep up the pressure at on Shelbourne at the top by beating Derry City (kick-off 7:45).

With games running out, Cork know that nothing less than maximum points will suffice though manager Pat Dolan is sticking to his "one game at a time mantra".

"We can only look as far forward as the Derry game. Getting the three points is all that counts. Thinking about anything else is a waste of time," he said.

John O'Flynn (Achilles) and George O'Callaghan (ankle) are doubtful meaning Dolan may be forced to change his attacking line-up for the first time in their current eight-game unbeaten run.

Derry travel to Cork without a host of players with Seán Hargan (ankle), Killian Brennan (groin) and Ruaidhri Higgins (knee) all out while Gareth McGlynn and Mark Farren are suspended.

Also this evening, Waterford United hope to maintain their fading Intertoto Cup hopes when they clash with St Patrick's Athletic at the RSC (Kick off 7:30).

Player-manager Alan Reynolds (knee) and Pat Purcell (ankle) are out while Dave Mulcahy (ankle) a doubt. St Patrick's are without Dessie Byrne (hamstring) while Robbie Doyle is suspended.

Today'sFixtures

(7.45 unless stated)

NATIONAL LEAGUE - Premier Division: Cork City v Derry City; Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians; Waterford Utd v St Patrick's Ath (7.30). First Division: Galway Utd v Monaghan Utd (7.30); UCD v Sligo Rovers.

ENGLISH LEAGUE - Championship: Millwall v Sunderland (live Sky Sports 1).

IRISH LEAGUE - Premier Division: Institute v Dungannon Swifts; Larne v Newry.