Shelbourne look to end their bleak run

FAI Cup second round: With Shelbourne away as your first hurdle, Derry City could be forgiven for looking a little lost in their search for the glamour of the FAI Cup.

Tonight's tie at Tolka Park is the plum draw of the first round proper, with both sides a little frustrated that it's also a repeat of last year's third round in which Derry prevailed on penalties after a replay at the Brandywell.

"It's just the way the cup operates," said a perplexed Derry manager, Stephen Kenny. "You have some non-league teams playing each other and yet second and third in the league play against each other as well."

Midfielders Alan Murphy and Eamon Doherty return from injury for Derry, though Kenny waits on Sean Hargan (foot). Kevin Deery and Damien Brennan remain out with knee injuries while Gareth McGlynn is suspended.

"A draw would be a reasonable result for us with the replay set for the Brandywell on Tuesday," added Kenny.

With captain Owen Heary, the influential Richie Baker and striker Jason Byrne available following injury and illness, Shelbourne will hope to end their bleak run of five games without a win and avoid any prospect of a replay.

Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon is without Alan Moore (knee), Jamie Harris (hand) and the suspended Gary O'Neill.

Financially-stretched Waterford United will be hoping for a bumper crowd in the other all-Premier Division clash against St Patrick's Athletic at the RSC.

Waterford manager Alan Reynolds has quashed rumours that the club has struggled to pay its players wages in recent weeks.

"There are always cash flow problems, but, put it this way, everyone has been paid," said a frustrated Reynolds, who will see little or none of the £100,000 that's coming to the club from the sale of Daryl Murphy to Sunderland to help him strengthen the team. Much of it is believed to be needed to pay off creditors, including former chairman Ger O'Brien.

Kevin Doherty finally makes his return to bolster a defence that has leaked six goals in their last two home games. Reynolds, though still injured anyway, is banned while Sean Finn remains out with a knee injury.

Stephen Quigley is suspended for St Patrick's while Stephen Caffrey and Robbie Doyle have both been unable to train this week as they're suffering from the flu.

In-form Bohemians won't drop their guard when they host struggling First Division side Athlone Town. "There will be no complacency on our part. Form goes out the window in the cup, as we know," said Bohemians's player/manager Gareth Farrelly. "They will be looking to come and give a good account of themselves at Dalymount and hope for a shock."

Midfielder Fergal Harkin is available again, though Thomas Heary and David Bracken remain sidelined with injuries.

Potential shocks when struggling First Division Galway United host Premier Division leaders Cork City and non-league Avondale United play Bray Wanderers at Turner's Cross are lessened due to poor form, suspension and injury.