National League PreviewsAnxious to close the gap after last weekend's slip-up in Waterford, Cork City are boosted by the return from suspension of Joe Gamble for this evening's clash with league leaders Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
"For me he's the most influential midfielder in the league and an exemplary professional," says Damien Richardson whose relief at seeing the 24 available again will be balanced by the continued absence of John O'Flynn and an injury to Admir Softic that makes the young Bosnian a doubt.
Shelbourne are likely to restore Jason Byrne to the starting line-up as long as the striker, who missed the midweek League Cup win over Bohemians with a groin strain, does not have a reaction to training yesterday.
"Everyone trained today," said Pat Fenlon, "and they're all full of confidence at the moment but the fact that we've been doing so well lately creates its own pressure so it will be particularly tough to keep the winning run against a very strong Cork side."
In the night's other match, Bohemians take on Bray Wanderers.
TONIGHT'S FIXTURES
(7.45 unless stated)
NATIONAL LEAGUE - Premier Division: Bray Wanderers v Bohemians, Carlisle Grounds, 7.45; Shelbourne v Cork, Tolka Park, 8.0.
First Division: Athlone v Dundalk, St Mel's Park, 7.45; Galway United v Finn Harps, Terryland Park, 7.45.
ENGLISH LEAGUE - Championship: Wolverhampton v Preston.
Friendly matches: FC Groningen v Aston Villa (6pm); FC Utrecht v Charlton (7pm); Matlock v Sheff Utd.
Irish League Cup - Group Stage: Newry v Donegal Celtic; Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts.
