LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREVIEWS:HE DEPARTED just as the glory days returned for Shamrock Rovers, but Ian Bermingham insists he has no regrets about leaving Tallaght Stadium two years ago.
The 22-year-old left-back is enjoying his football under Liam Buckley at St Patrick’s Athletic and is confident their restructured team can bring silverware to Richmond Park this season. A win over the champions in Inchicore tonight would signal that intent.
“It would be massive if we win, we are confident we can,” said former under-21 international Bermingham. “I think I made a good decision to come to Pats. Not for a minute would I regret (leaving Rovers), no, because I was coming to a good club.”
With just a goal a game from their five so far (Rovers have scored 12), finding a more consistent scoring touch would help St Patrick’s in their guest for honours. The club are without a national trophy since winning the League Cup nine years ago.
With the exception of defender Aidan Price, who is some way off fitness following a foot injury, striker Dean Kelly’s return gives Buckley a full squad to pick from.
Rovers make a switch at right-back as a hamstring strain sees Kerrea Gilbert join goalkeeper Conor Winn, midfielder Stephen O’Donnell and striker Ciaran Kilduff out injured. Left-back Conor Powell and winger Gary McCabe return from suspension.
Central defender Jason McGuinness is a doubt with a back strain as second-placed Sligo Rovers hope to maintain their best start to a season in 75 years at Bray Wanderers. Striker Mark Quigley remains suspended. Adam Mitchell remains out for Bray with Shane O’Connor (groin) and the suspended Dane Massey.
Third in the table Drogheda United are without injured midfielders Paul Crowley and Cathal Brady against Monaghan United. Striker Peter Hynes is also a doubt. Still without a win, injuries deprive Roddy Collins’ Monaghan of defender Shaun Maher, captain Robert Bayly and John Reilly.
Sent off in last week’s 2-0 defeat at Drogheda, midfielder Barry Molloy is suspended for Derry City while key central defender Stewart Greacen is out with a knee injury for the visit of UCD. Striker Mark Farren will also be absent with a swollen foot. Playmaker Paul Corry and goalkeeper Ger Barron remain out with knee injuries for UCD while midfielder James Kavanagh is a doubt.
Shelbourne have goalkeeper Dean Delany back from suspension for their visit to Dundalk, but won’t have Glenn Cronin in central midfield following his red card against St Patrick’s last week.Striker Paul Byrne is in the squad.
Dundalk will give central defender Derek Foran (heel) and midfielder John Mountney (groin) fitness tests. Seán McCaffrey remains without defender Luke Danville (hamstring) along with striker Mark Griffin (groin) and defender Eoghan Osbourne. Midfielder Dwayne Wilson is Bohemians’ only absentee tonight due to a family commitment.
Cork, who also await their first win of the campaign, continue without defenders Stephen Mulcahy, Kevin Murray and Neal Horgan.
