LEAGUE OF IRELAND:SHAMROCK ROVERS' year is all piecing together nicely ahead of the season's final quarter, writes Paul Buttner. Captain Dan Murray, midfielder Stephen Bradley and leading scorer Gary Twigg, picked up knocks on Friday night in their 4-1 win over Bray, but Michael O'Neill is confident all three will be fit to face UCD at Tallaght Stadium tonight. Defenders Craig Sives (groin) and Pat Sullivan (knee), with striker Dessie Baker (Achilles), are out.
UCD may have playmaker Greg Bolger back from suspension but defender Brain Shortall’s return for the home defeat to Sporting Fingal on Friday was marred by his suffering a hamstring strain while midfielder Robbie Creevy is out with a foot injury. Defender Seán Harding and striker David McMillan remain out long-term while Paul Corry is doubtful.
Sporting Fingal host erstwhile leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at Morton Stadium. Central defender Colin Hawkins remains Sporting’s only absentee. Left-back Lorcan Fitzgerald needs to prove his fitness.
St Patrick’s are without midfielder Dave Mulcahy, who limped out of Friday’s 0-0 home draw with Sligo Rovers with a hamstring strain. Manager Peter Mahon is hopeful his captain, Damian Lynch, is fit to resume following an ankle knock, but Paul Byrne (ankle) remains out while Daniel North (calf) is a doubt.
Bohemians return to Drogheda United to replay last month’s match which was abandoned due to a power cut. Manager Pat Fenlon again made five changes to his side that won in Dundalk on Friday. Utility player Mark Rossiter is out tonight with an arm injury suffered at Oriel Park while striker Raffaele Cretaro is a fitness concern. Achilles injuries continue to sideline both Steven Gray and Anthony Murphy.
Winger Brendan McGill remains out for Drogheda as they look to end five-straight defeats since Brian Donnelly took charge. Peter McMahon is suspended while fellow midfielder Michael Daly, striker Ryan Brennan and left-back Eoghan Osbourne are doubtful starters.
TONIGHT'S FIXTURES(7.45 unless stated) Premier Division– Drogheda United v Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers v UCD (8.0), Sporting Fingal v St Patrick's Athletic.
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