Strikingly good times for Kirby and St Patrick's

League of Ireland Premier Division: A return to full-time professionalism with St Patrick's Athletic has revitalised the career of midfielder Alan Kirby, culminating in his being named the Eircom-sponsored Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland player of the month for March.

The former youth international has scored five times in the Setanta Sports Cup while also playing a big part in five league wins for St Patrick's, which have them comfortably top of the table. "It's frightening really how well things have come together," said Kirby ahead of tonight's Dublin derby against Bohemians at Richmond Park. "Everything has clicked brilliantly."

Left-back John Frost returns from suspension as manager John McDonnell is again likely to keep the opposition guessing on his interchangeable playing system. Not least Bohemians manager Sean Connor, who reports a full squad available.

"They have that holy trinity of Fahey, Ndo and Kirby who have been their most influential players this season," said Connor. "Their interchanging of passing and movement is excellent. You've got to stop what those three players do. But we have a gameplan in mind . . . We won't be going there to be negative."

Finn Mikko Vilmunen continues in goal for second-placed Drogheda United at home to Sligo Rovers as regular goalkeeper Dan Connor's knee injury has been confirmed as a ligament tear. He's likely to be out for two months.Steve Gray returns to bolster the defence, however.

Left-back Keith Foy is a doubt following a bout of flu for Sligo, and injuries keep Gavin Peers, Gary Curran and Brian Cash sidelined.

"If we don't get a result tonight against Shamrock Rovers it will dilute the win in Derry," says Cork City manager Damien Richardson, hoping to make it a fourth league win on the trot before an expected full house at Turner's Cross.

Goalkeeper Michael Devine is fit following a foot injury. Billy Woods may come back on the right wing but Darren Murphy (thigh) is injured.

Rovers remain without captain Aidan Price and midfielder Paul Shiels through injury.

For pressure you'll scarcely beat the RSC, where Waterford United, after four straight league defeats, host pre-season title favourites Derry City, who've lost five of their last six games.

Midfielders Kevin Deery and Gareth McGlynn, dropped for Monday's 4-1 defeat to Cork City, return to the Derry squad. Waterford are without defenders Robbie Hedderman (thigh) and Kenny Browne (hand).

Galway United and Longford Town are at Terryland Park, both looking for their first wins of the season.