McDonnell happy with Richmond vein of form

League of Ireland:After what has been a good week off the pitch, St Patrick's Athletic will be looking to secure a fourth straight win on it when they welcome Waterford United to Richmond Park this evening.

"Well, at the moment it's one less thing for Brian Kerr to worry about now that he's back at the club because we're going well and hopefully we can maintain that," says a decidedly upbeat John McDonnell.

"People are saying all sorts of things about Brian coming back and how I should feel about it but the truth is I'm thrilled about it and all that's been planned for the future of this club," he says.

The home side should have newly signed defender Stephen Paisley available though as of yesterday afternoon his registration had yet to arrive at the league's offices in Merrion Square.

McDonnell has the option, however, of sticking with the side that beat Cork in Monday's Setanta Sports Cup game as Dave Mulcahy remains the club's only absence with injury.

Waterford travel without the suspended Robbie Hederman and Robert Brosnan but Gareth Cronin has cause to be pleased himself after last week's win over his former club, Cork City.

Damien Richardson is without Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly for tonight's televised game against Galway United while Brian O'Callaghan is likely to miss out with a groin strain. Liam Kearney, though, should shake off an ankle injury to start, and John O'Flynn is in contention to start after coming off the bench to score on Monday night.

"The results so far have been disappointing but we really didn't have a preseason so it's going to take a few games and all of our players back before we can assess where we are," says Richardson.

Drogheda United have Jason Gavin back from suspension for their game with UCD but Stephen Gray is still sidelined by injury.

Bohemians will be without Neale Fenn (suspended) and Harpal Singh (groin) for their trip to the Carlisle Grounds.

Shamrock Rovers are missing Ger Rowe, Paul Shields, Eric McGill and Ger O'Brien for the home game against Longford Town but Tadhg Purcell could return from injury.

"I'll be looking for a really strong reaction from everyone after the UCD game," says Rovers boss Pat Scully. "If we play up to the standards that we're aiming for this season then I think we'll be fine."