Shamrock Rovers' Jason McGuinness hopes to extend his goalscoring spree to three successive games against his former club Bohemians in the Dublin derby at Dalymount Park tonight.
The 23-year-old defender scored one of the most audacious goals of the season with a 40-yard shot against Douglas Hall in the FAI Cup at the same venue last Sunday, having also scored the only goal of the game against UCD in the league the week before. With Rovers in far more need of points than prizes at the moment, McGuinness was in no doubt which goal was the more relevant: "The UCD win was a far more important game for us as we picked up a precious three points to keep our little run going."
While Rovers' manager Roddy Collins remains without the suspended Will McDonagh, he has Marc Kenny, Tony Sheridan and Mark Quigley eligible again. John Browne has been signed from Dundalk as goalkeeping cover for Barry Murphy.
Gareth Farrelly, their manager and midfield playmaker, along with key defenders Ken Oman and Des Byrne, are suspended for Bohemians. "It's going to be a really tough game for us as Rovers are the form team of the moment with four wins from their last five games," said Farrelly.
The real form team, though, are Derry City who bring their 17-game unbeaten run to United Park to meet Drogheda in what looks the game of the night. As Cork City have an FAI cup replay at Finn Harps tomorrow, victory for Derry will give them a share of the leadership. Key defender Clive Delaney and Pat McCourt may be fit following injury for Stephen Kenny's side, but there is real concern that Mark Farren, the country's leading goalscorer, will almost certainly miss out due to a hamstring strain.
Drogheda's Jason Gavin, instrumental in keeping two clean sheets in both games he's played for them so far, and talented midfielder Keith Fahey, are eligible again after the cup while defender Stuart Malcolm returns from suspension. Young striker Mark Leech is the only doubt due to illness.
Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon is actively seeking a replacement in the UK as cover for goalkeeper Dean Delaney as Steve Williams may be out for the season after breaking a finger in training on Wednesday. Winger Richie Baker returns to the side following suspension for the visit of UCD to Tolka Park.
College haven't lost to the champions in three matches this season but are stretched tonight as ever-presents Alan McNally (hamstring) and Mick O'Donnell (hip) are out along with striker Robbie Martin (ankle).
Longford Town had more disappointing news when it was confirmed that captain Barry Ferguson broke a wrist in the 2-1 FAI Cup replay defeat at UCD on Tuesday night. Otherwise, manager Alan Mathews has a fully fit squad for the visit of Waterford United to Flancare Park for a match that's live on TG4.
Second-bottom Waterford, without a win in 15 league games, have Dave Mulcahy and David Breen suspended. John Lester returns from injury while new signing, St Vincent and the Grenadines international Rodney Jack, comes straight into the squad.
Bray Wanderers have replaced their leading scorer Eamon Zayed with former Irish youth international Paul Murphy. Stephen Gifford and Kevin O'Brien return from suspension and injury respectively, though captain Jody Lynch requires a late fitness test on an ankle ahead of the visit of St Pat's to the Carlisle Grounds.
