With Richie Foran finally getting away across channel with his move to Carlisle United and the disgruntled Garry Haylock returning north to sign for Glentoran, Shelbourne have little option but to start with Trevor Fitzpatrick and Dessie Baker up front as Stephen Geoghegan is only just back training following a calf strain.

Otherwise, manager Dermot Keely has no selection problems apart from sorting out what his best central defensive pairing is from Tony McCarthy, Jim Gannon and Peter Hutton.

Longford will want to lift their game after their flat performance in losing to Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night.

Striker Keith O'Connor is still hampered by the back strain received in Bulgaria so Henry Kenny may start with Eric Lavine.

Of equal concern for manager Stephen Kenny is a thigh strain to captain Wes Byrne. Sean Prunty may drop back to left-back, with Stephen Gavin coming into midfield should Byrne fail a late fitness test.

Last season: Longford Town 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 Longford Town 1, Longford Town 0 Shelbourne 1.

Referee: A. Kelly (Cork).

Betting: Home: 4/7, Draw: 12/5, Away: 9/2.