Scully keeps faith

National League Previews: Pat Scully has called on his Drogheda United team-mates to believe more in themselves as he stands by for his return from a six-week injury lay-off against Cork City at 0₂ Park tonight.

Despite generally playing well, Drogheda are still finding the wins hard to come by, with just two so far from eight games. Derry City's win over Waterford on Thursday night thus leaves Drogheda third bottom, just one point above the play-off place.

"Because it's Drogheda some people say 'you've done okay', which can be a bit condescending," said Scully. "There is no reason why just because you play for Drogheda United you can't do better. We need to raise our own standards a little.

"If we can raise our standards there is no reason why we can't do really well. We can certainly do an awful lot better than people will expect of us."

Scully hopes tonight will end a frustrating spell. A row with Shamrock Rovers boss Liam Buckley after last season's cup final led to him eventually going on the transfer list and moving to Drogheda. But not having played for so long had its legacy for a player who's 33 next month.

"I've a good chance of finally getting back playing tonight which will be a big relief to me," said the former international central defender.

"I probably rushed trying to get back playing, what with not being fully fit and my age and all of that. I only joined the club a week before the start of the season after not having played since the end of November."

Cork, themselves trying to get back on track after four games without a win, have their own concerns with Billy Woods (calf) and Kevin Doyle (knee) both doubtful starters.

John O'Flynn, the league's top scorer with eight goals, has been given leave to play, despite being told he will lead Ireland's attack in Monday's under-21 friendly with Germany at Turner's Cross.

Injuries are also giving Longford Town manager Alan Matthews headaches as he tries to end a run of four draws in a bottom-of-the-table clash with UCD. Brian Byrne, Seán Francis, Vinny Perth, Tom Silke, Sean Prunty and Paddy Mulvihill are all out. To make matters worse, Avery John is on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago, and Darragh Sheridan is suspended.

Gary Murphy may start again in midfield while 17-year-old striker Adrian Murphy, no relation, will again be on the bench.

UCD manager Paul Doolin is likely to start the side that beat Shamrock Rovers in the League Cup in midweek.