While Tony Sheridan's superb matchwinning goal grabbed the headlines as Shamrock Rovers' 3-2 win at Bray Wanderers last Sunday lifted them off the foot of the table, the prodigal Marc Kenny eased back into the groove with a composed performance in midfield.
Having spent the bulk (eight years) of his career with Rovers , the ex-Liverpool trainee and former Irish youth international captain is relishing the prospect of helping Rovers escape relegation on his return from stints at Dublin City and Monaghan United.
"It was great to be back in a Rovers shirt," said Kenny. "I think Shero stole my thunder, but deservedly so. There are not many players of his ability that come along in our league, so you have to savour them."
The combined opportunity of a Rovers return and playing again in the Premier Division was too good an offer for Kenny, 32 next month, to turn down.
"I enjoyed my time at Monaghan. But the opportunity came to go back to Rovers and I didn't even need to think about it. I never wanted to leave Rovers in the first place, circumstances just changed."
Kenny believes the higher standard in the Premier Division is to his benefit. "There has been an improvement in technique and I feel that's better suited to my game. You get more time and space. In the First Division it's all about closing down and battering each other."
With six-pointers against St Pat's at Dalymount tonight and Waterford United away next week, Kenny is convinced Rovers can beat the drop.
"I experienced relegation last year at Dublin City and it's not a pleasant feeling. I certainly don't want to feel it again. I don't think the team we had at Dublin City last year is a patch on the team at Rovers now. Half the squad are effectively full-time and fitness isn't a problem. So there is no reason why we can't go on and pick up the points necessary to stay up."
Left back Keith Doyle returns from a ban while new signing Ciarán Foley is set for his debut in central defence as both Brian Shelley (hamstring) and Jason McGuinness (knee) are injured. Midfielders Willo McDonagh and Cathal O'Connor are slight doubts but should be fit to start.
Struggling St Patrick's, with just one goal and one win in four games, are ravaged by suspensions, injuries and illness. Stephen Caffrey, Robbie Doyle and Alan Reilly are all banned while captain Colm Foley may miss the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage. Stephen Quigley and Gerard Rowe are doubtful due to illness.
Leaders Cork City have winger Roy O'Donovan back from suspension for the Munster derby with Waterford United at Turner's Cross. Goalkeeper Michael Devine remains out due to the shoulder injury suffered in Europe.
Central defender David Breen is available following suspension for Waterford, though Paul Crowley, Seán Finn and PJ Banville face fitness tests.
Second-placed Derry City are looking for a seventh league win on the bounce at home to Bray, though manager Stephen Kenny is advising caution. "Bray have a decent away record in terms of travelling long distances with wins at Finn Harps and Waterford and a draw in Cork," said Kenny who will again be without Sean Hargan, Damien Brennan, Eddie McCallion, Eamon Doherty and Kevin Deery.
Bray welcome back Colm Tresson while Paul Caffrey, Robbie McGuinness and Barry McGrory are expecting to return to the squad.
UCD's Damien Dupuy has recovered from a broken toe and will be on the bench for the visit of bottom-of-the-table Finn Harps to Belfield. Goalkeeper Gavin Cullen and defenders Jonathan Minnock and Declan Boyle have recovered from injuries.
Tonight's Fixtures
(7.45 unless stated)
NATIONAL LEAGUE - Premier Division: Cork City v Waterford Utd; Derry City v Bray Wanderers; Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic; UCD v Finn Harps. First Division: Galway United v Sligo Rovers (7.30) Limerick FC v Kilkenny City.
