Galway hoping to capitalise on Dundalk’s early title success

Galway United head to Oriel Park this evening hoping the party atmosphere might distract the champions Dundalk but Tommy Dunne is again missing a string of players as he looks to engineer the surprise needed to help the visitors towards Premier Division safety.

United will travel without Alex Byrne, now out for the rest of the season with a groin problem, as well as Padraic Cunningham, Enda Curran, Kilian Cantwell and Jason Molloy as they chase three points against Stephen Kenny’s side who will be playing at home for the first time since clinching their second successive league title in Tallaght last weekend.

Tough away trips

Longford Town and Drogheda United also face tough away trips although the latter’s manager Mark Kinsella may take some encouragement from the fact that St Patrick’s Athletic have Sean Hoare, Greg Bolger and Jason McGuinness suspended.

United, who currently occupy the play-off position, hope to have Robert Bayly fit for the game.

City host Longford with John Kavanagh, Colin Healy, Mark O’Sullivan and Gavan Holohan all sidelined by injuries while Ross Gaynor is suspended.

Andrei Kanchelskis, meanwhile, has confirmed his interest in the Derry City job for next season if there is a vacancy at the Brandywell.

“I have heard about Derry City,” he said, “and if they are interested in having a conversation about the position then I would be interested in talking about it too.”