Bohemians have chance to extend lead at the top

LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREVIEWS:BOHEMIANS WILL look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier Division to eight points in front of Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli this evening before Shamrock Rovers get the opportunity to cut it back again by beating Dundalk tomorrow.

The Republic of Ireland manager and his assistant are due to make an appearance at the game after naming the squad for the Cyprus game at a press conference although in the wake of Tuesday’s rather lively FAI Cup replay, Pat Fenlon’s side is likely to be some way short of full strength. Paul Keegan and Gary Deegan are expected to miss out. Glen Crowe, Glenn Cronin and Jason McGuinness are set to feature again after injuries and Brian Shelley is likely to start if he is fully over the throat infection that sidelined him earlier in the week.

“We will have to change things around and freshen things up,” acknowledged Fenlon. “But when we pick a team from our squad we can always put out a decent side no matter who it is.”

Galway travel without David Cooke who is suspended but new-signing Aaron Greene is available after being ineligible for last week’s cup game.

Bray can move off the foot of the table if they can beat Sligo Rovers at home for the second time this season. Paul Byrne (knee) misses out while Stephen Brennan, Ian Tuohy (both hamstring) and Dave Webster (knee) are all doubts. Chris Shields, though, returns from suspension.

Sligo are without Gavin Peers again and manager Paul Cooke must wait to check on the fitness of Conor O’Grady and Alan Keane.

In the night’s other game Cork City travel to Drogheda. The visitors have a minor doubt about Timmy Kiely (flu) while Eoghan Osbourne (ankle), Paul Crowley (calf) and Shane Barrett (knee) are set to miss out for the hosts. Alan McNally is suspended but Robbie Martin returns.