West Ham United may consider a bid for Drogheda United's Steve Gray ahead of Tuesday's English transfer deadline. The English Championship side need cover in defence following injuries to Andy Melville and Christian Dailly.

The 23-year-old defender is, however, believed to be happy at the Co Louth club.

"I have to say, I've listened to managers mouthing off over the years about this player and that player, but I think Steven is good enough (to go back to England)," said Drogheda manager Paul Doolin of Gray, who has had a previous spell at Southampton.

"But I'm not so sure he wants to go back to England, to be honest," added Doolin. "Of course, the right offer could change that. Having said that, he seems happy here. He's full-time and has a two-year contract."

Whatever happens regarding a possible move to England by Gray, who is suspended for tonight's game with Dublin City at United Park, the visitors have a player coming in.

Former England international Carlton Palmer is to line out for City, who are eight points adrift at the foot of the table.

Aidan Lynch is likely to replace Gray in Drogheda's defence with Alan Reilly and new signing Sean McClare vying to start in midfield in place of the suspended John Lester.

St Patrick's Athletic have signed strikers Robbie Doyle from Bohemians and Brendan Markey, who quit Monaghan United last weekend, in a bid to avoid relegation. Both come straight into their squad for the visit of Waterford United.

Waterford player/manager Alan Reynolds is suspended, though he has Mark Clifford and David Mulcahy returning from bans.

Ben Whelehan, just signed from Dublin City, also comes into the squad. John Frost, Wayne Fitzgerald and Vinny Sullivan remain out with injuries.