AVOCA, with their resources stretched to the limit because of national squad calls, are hoping that their former international defender Mark Cullen will come out of semi retirement to bolster the side in the Leinster Senior Cup quarter final against Three Rock Rovers at Grange Road tomorrow.

While Avoca are willing to press ahead with most of their fixtures for the next two months by fully involving their younger players at senior level, the demands are exceptional this weekend. Stephen Kinsella, David Hanna, Graham Dowling, Daragh Gallanagh and Ian Cox must first give their energy to the home Irish Junior Cup tie against RUC at noon, before heading to Rathfarnham to tackle a Rovers side which blitzed Corinthians 9-0 in a league match last Saturday.

Cullen, with his depth of experience, would be a valuable bulwark and leave some options open if he were to be available tomorrow. He has made only a couple of appearances as a substitute this season after sharing in the club's Irish Senior Cup triumph last year.

While Avoca have since managed to edge Three Rock off the top of the Leinster Championship table, their World Cup players made their last contribution to the challenge in the 5-3 win over YMCA last weekend. Now, Three Rock, having been fortunate to draw 1-1 with the Blackrock side three weeks ago, will be expected to have the whip hand. Indeed, Liam Canning and Robin Madeley could score handsomely against tired opposition.

Goals, indeed, look like being plentiful for all four home teams in the Mills Cup ties. The holders, Glenanne, will be too purposeful for Portrane; equally, Pembroke are bound to be irrepressible against Carlow, while Railway Union, after their difficulties in shaking off Monkstown in the two major knock out competitions, may find openings more available against UCD. However, the students, led by Owen Butler, will make this the closest encounter.

In the Junior Cup, there is again a strong Leinster presence, with the possibility of the trophy staying in Dublin. Avoca II, if keeping nothing in reserve, may be joined in the quarter finals by Three Rock II, who are at home to Annadale II in the first part of an attractive double bill.

Glenanne II may edge out Harlequins II in Cork, but Corinthians II face a demanding assignment in Banbridge. For Waterford, hosts to South Antrim, they have their first match of substance on the much appreciated new pitch at Newtown School.