National League Play-Off

UCD hope to be at full strength this evening when they take on Limerick in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off match at Belfield Park at 7.30.

The home club will probably not make a final decision on whether Terry Palmer plays at the centre of their defence until shortly before the kick-off, the 25-yearold did feature in Saturday's game at Dalymount Park, but has been carrying a knock for some weeks now, and remains an uncertain starter for either of this week's matches.

Despite the disappointment of his side failing to ensure their safety by achieving at least a draw against Bohemians, Dr Tony O'Neill expressed his satisfaction yesterday with the way his players had performed in recent months. "We didn't quite make it, but then we had a lot of ground to make up over the last few weeks and when it came down to Bohemians, we knew that they were one of the best teams in the country and that it would a tall order for us to beat them. We know now, though, that if we can't win this play-off over two legs then basically, we don't deserve to be in the Premier Division."

Dave Connell, meanwhile, must cope without Ray O'Halloran for the trip to Dublin, the central defender is hoping to be present at the birth of his first child, while Darren Browne is rated as doubtful due to a knee injury.

Howie King or Connell himself may come into the team although the final selection is likely to be dictated by the manager's priority of getting through this evening's game with at least a draw in the hope of securing promotion with a decent result on home territory on Friday evening.