"I hate to see Shamrock Rovers in the position they are in," said Cork City manager Damien Richardson, a former Rovers player and manager.

"It breaks my heart, but I'll have to lay that aside for the 90 minutes (tonight)."

Sentiment will certainly have no place at Dalymount with Cork, who twice had to come from behind to earn a draw with Waterford on Friday, desperate for the three points to regain the lead, and with it the psychological advantage, over Derry City.

In the hope that he may be fully fit for Friday's clash with deposed champions Shelbourne, John O'Flynn (groin) again will not be risked, though Denis Behan's return from suspension gives Richardson options up front.

Three successive defeats have Rovers in real trouble in the relegation play-off place, though beating Friday night's opponents Waterford, just two points above them, is where their salvation will surely lie.

"If we get at least a point we are almost there," said Collins of tonight's game.

"We can then concentrate on Waterford, which is the biggest game of the season for us.

"If we win that we are ahead of them, no matter what we've done against Cork."

Collins reshuffles his defence in the absence of suspended Gavin McDonnell, sent off in Friday's 3-1 defeat at St Patrick's Athletic.

Meanwhile Ciarán Foley (knee), Trevor Molloy and Tony Sheridan, who both have ankle injuries, require late fitness tests.