Geoghegan awaits decision

NATIONAL LEAGUE player sidelined because of conflicting World Cup qualifier? It's a new one, but this is the flip side of Shelbourne's reflected glory in the wake of Stephen Geoghegan's call-up for international duty.

The FAI Cup holders and hottest pursuers of league leaders Derry entertain the league champions St Patrick's at Tolka Park this evening in a key Premier Division game, but are unsure of Geoghegan's availability to them.

Though Mick McCarthy can invoke the five-day rule for all the players in his squad, Geoghegan included, Shelbourne could insist that the domestic game's foremost front-runner over the last four seasons would still be available to them until tomorrow morning. But Shelbourne manager Damien Richardson and McCarthy do not see the need for confrontation.

Effectively, Shelbourne have left the decision to McCarthy, which is in keeping with the spirit of Geoghegan's call-up. The decision hinges on whether Tony Cascarino has recovered sufficiently to play next Wednesday.

Richardson remains hopeful. "Of course I would like to have Stephen for this game. Ideally I would like to see him play for us against St Pat's and for Ireland next Wednesday, though I'm mindful we have a Cup game next Friday. But that's next week's worry.

"In the short-term, were Stephen to play well and maybe score for us I think it would do his confidence no harm before the trip to Macedonia. But it's Mick's decision."

Victory, Richardson concedes, is imperative for Shelbourne if they are to retain their outside chance of overhauling Derry's eight-point lead before the end of the season. "I would think so, and it's important that we do, not only from Shelbourne's point of view but from the league's as well."

"Because it we don't win and Derry do (at UCD on Sunday) then it could be an anti-climactic end to the season. We need to win but even so Derry are in a wonderful position. It promises to be a hugely interesting weekend."

However, the sight of Geoghegan might not only stimulate Shelbourne, but St Patrick's as well. Not happy in the role of bit players, the champions have Dublin pride and UEFA Cup/ Intertoto Cup ambitions of their own.

"This is a really big game for both clubs," said St Patrick's manager Pat Dolan. "Shelbourne have many top-class players, this being highlighted by Stephen Geoghegan's call-up to the national squad, which is a great boost for the National League.

"But we too, have top-class players and had representatives on the National League teams and have performed well against Shelbourne this season.

Elsewhere, on a busy Good Friday, third-placed Bohemians entertain relegation-threatened Dundalk, while at either end of the country Cork City are at home to Bray Wanderers this afternoon and Shamrock Rovers travel to Finn Harps.