The only man certain to miss out is Tommy Dunne, who also missed Sunday's visit to Inchicore, but doubts over Gino Brazil, Jason Colwell and Tony Cousins will cause considerable concern to Mick Byrne in the build up to this evening's kick-off.

The departure in recent weeks of Sean Kavanagh and Ray Carolan have narrowed the options for Rovers and Mick Byrne may, as he admits he has had to do before this season, have to stick one or two of his players out there, even if they are not fully fit, and simply hope for the best.

If Shelbourne are at full strength, on the other hand, it will be interesting to see who gets to warm the bench. Mick Neville has been in outstanding form at left full back and may retain a place even if Declan Geoghegan returns. Given Pat Scully's goalscoring record this season that could mean Tony McCarthy dropping out, while Dave Campbell will probably just have the edge in the selection race over Dean Fitzgerald, despite the latter's strong showing since breaking into the first team.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Rovers 0 Shelbourne 2, Shelbourne 2 Rovers 0, Rovers 6 Shelbourne 4; 97/98: Shelbourn 1 Rovers 1.

Recent league form: Rovers: LDWWL; Shelbourne: WDWDL.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Cousins (11); Shelbourne: S Geoghegan (12), Scully (nine).

Betting: Home: 9/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 6/5. Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.