Rovers aiming to close the gap

Shamrock Rovers v UCD:Shamrock Rovers will look to close the gap on the league's top two this evening when they take on UCD at Tolka Park where they will be hoping to improve on the scoreless draw achieved at Belfield on the first weekend of the season.

Still out long term for Pat Scully's side are Paul Shiels and Aidan Price but a few others who have been missing in recent weeks are edging towards full fitness again with Eric McGill, Barry Murphy and Derek Pender all back in training. A couple could be involved for this evening's game, though, while striker David Cassidy is suspended.

"Both Barry and Derek have a chance of being involved in the game against UCD, while Eric is building slowly after a long time out," says Hoops' boss Pat Scully.

"We'll be without Stephen O'Brien and Mark Langtry for a couple of weeks, but overall our injury situation is improving, although we'll avoid bringing anyone back too soon."

Scully remains confident of his side's ability to mount a challenge to Drogheda and St Patrick's Athletic over the second half of the campaign but accepts this evening's game will not be easy.

"It's a little bit of a banana skin for us. They've got good players. But we want to be in the shake-up at the end of the season, so every game is important. We'll be going out to try and win this game and get another three points."

UCD, meanwhile, have Paul Crowley suspended while Pat McWalter is working his way back to full fitness following a cruciate ligament operation.

Pete Mahon, meanwhile, has revealed he is hoping to recruit two full-time players who would also take on coaching roles for the club as it seeks to expand its role in the local community.