Fenlon signs Lithuanian

LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION:PAT FENLON has moved to strengthen Bohemians' title challenge by signing 24-year-old Lithuanian international Mindaugas Kalonas from FK Riga, the side that beat the Dubliners in the Intertoto Cup last month.

Kalonas, who has previously had spells with Dynamo Moscow, Saturn Moscow and Braga in Portugal, was an ever present for his national side during its recent European Championship qualifying campaign. He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across midfield or up front.

Kalonas arrives on a short-term deal, but if he settles well in Dublin, the club hope to agree a longer contract with the player who may secure his international clearance in time for tonight's league game against Cobh Ramblers.

Ramblers travel to Dalymount Park after dropping crucial points late on in their recent games against UCD and Bray.

They'll face a close to full-strength Bohemians side with John Paul Kelly and Jason McGuinness back from suspension. Glen Crowe is suspended but Jason Byrne is close to full fitness and likely to partner Neale Fenn in attack.

Having completed the signing on loan of Joseph Ndo from St Patrick's Athletic, Shamrock Rovers travel to Derry without Darragh Maguire, who misses the game through suspension. Tadhg Purcell is a doubt for the Dubliners but Danny O'Connor and Darren Stapleton should be available for selection.

City, currently one of the division's form teams, have Mark McChrystal suspended and concerns over Peter Hutton's fitness, but Steven Gray looks set to start if Hutton misses out.

Drogheda United have new recruit Regi Nootimeer available for the visit of Bray Wanderers while Shane Barrett and Brian Shelley should be okay to start. Wanderers will be without Gavin Whelan, who is also serving a ban.

Paul Hegarty is again without a string of high profile players for the relegation battle against Galway United. Declan Boyle and Stephen Parkhouse are suspended while Cornelius Gallagher, Gary Beckett and Aaron Labonte are injured. The Harps boss is hopeful, however, that Stuart Malcolm and Davy Byrne will be available to play after both missing out recently through injury.

St Patrick's Athletic, meanwhile, have signed Chester City striker John Murphy. "He is a big strong centre forward and exactly what we've been looking for," said John McDonnell yesterday.

LAST NIGHT - First Division: Dundalk 1 (Mulvenna 16), Wexford Youth 0.