Soccer News and National League preview: Drogheda United midfielder Stephen Bradley was yesterday called into the Irish under-21 squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifying games against Azerbaijan after Sheffield Wednesday's Glenn Whelan was forced to withdraw from the trip to Baku because of injury.

Bradley made a considerable impact last year after returning from Britain to join United, and the 21-year-old Dubliner has scored twice this season during a string of impressive performances as Drogheda lifted the Setanta Cup and moved to the top of the National League table.

Sligo Rovers kick off a hectic period this evening at the Showgrounds when they welcome a Shelbourne side looking to maintain a strong run of results.

The home side have lost just once in the league so far and manager Seán Connor says he will be well pleased if they can come through this evening's game plus the two over the coming week, against Cork City and UCD, without being beaten again.

"They're tough games but they're exactly what being in the top flight is all about," says Connor, who is without Chris Turner, who is suspended, and Darren Mansaram, who has not quite shaken off a hamstring problem.

To add to the long list of injury problems that afflicted Shelbourne ahead of last week's game at UCD, the club have a slight doubt about Jason Byrne, last season's leading scorer having limped off at Belfield. If he misses out this evening Glen Crowe is likely to partner the in-form Gary O'Neill up front.