League of Ireland previews: STEVEN GRAY is determined not to allow a persistent hip problem, similar to that which called time on Roy Keane's playing career, prevent him challenging for honours with Derry City this season.
The left back, who provided the cross for Gareth McGlynn's winner against St Patrick's Athletic midweek, has been struggling with the problem for much of the season, but has only missed one game, through suspension, so far.
"I felt the hip all right, but I'm fine," said Gray after their win at the Brandywell on Tuesday night.
"The games are coming thick and fast and I really don't want to miss out on any of them," said the 27-year-old Dubliner ahead of tonight's trip to Sligo Rovers. "It's been a big week for us so far, but we now face another tough test in Sligo and I want to be ready for that one."
Derry, in third place in the table - four points behind leaders Bohemians - remain without Liam Kearney (broken leg), Barry Molloy (ankle), Tommy Stewart (thigh) and Tam McManus (calf), while Gray and McGlynn face fitness tests.
Suspensions add to Sligo's injury problems as both captain Conor O'Grady and right back Alan Keane are banned, while Benin striker Romuald Boco is on international duty. Mauro Almeida (ankle), Seán Doherty (hamstring) and Stephen Parkhouse (knee/ankle) remain out.
St Patrick's manager Jeff Kenna says his side are ready for the challenge of facing Bohemians on the champions' first visit of the season to Richmond Park.
"Bohs' victory in Cork last Friday, and again this week against Galway, silenced the doubters who thought they were beginning to show a few weaknesses," said Kenna, whose side have managed just one win in their last seven games and were roundly beaten 3-0 at Dalymount Park earlier in the campaign.
"My players have their work cut out. But football people relish these matches and we're no different - we're looking forward to it and we intend to meet the challenge head on."
Midfielder Darragh Ryan (hamstring) and Gareth O'Connor (thigh) picked up injuries in Derry and join Alan Cawley (calf), Gints Freimanis (knee) and broken leg victims Gary Dempsey and Mark Leech on the injured list.
John Lester returns from suspension but fellow midfielder Stuart Byrne is banned. Winger Bobby Ryan is expected to make the bench after knee surgery.
Bohemians remain without defender Mark Rossiter (groin), while midfielder Joseph Ndo (hamstring) is now out also. Captain Owen Heary and striker Glen Crowe are expected to return from hamstring injuries.
Second-placed Cork City, who've lost their last two games, remain without midfielder Joe Gamble (knee) along with defender Robert Mezeckis (Achilles) and midfielders Davin O'Neill and Shane Duggan (both ankle) for the visit of Shamrock Rovers to Turner's Cross.
Rovers waits on key defender Darragh Maguire and midfield anchor Stephen, who shipped knocks in Tuesday's home win over Dundalk. Defender Seán Webb's back injury keeps him out.
Bray continue without winger Paddy Kavanagh (hamstring), while defender Chris Deans is suspended, though midfielder Dave Mulcahy returns from a ban. Right-back Derek Pender is finally fit following a knee injury.
Vinny Faherty expects to pass a fitness test to return to lead Galway United's attack against rejuvenated bottom side Drogheda United at Terryland Park. However, boss Ian Foster continues without midfielders Shane Fitzgerald and Alan Murphy. Both have ankle injuries.
Goalkeeper Steve Williams and striker Robbie Martin have recovered from slight knock to allow Drogheda manager Alan Mathews travel with a full squad.
Tonight's Fixtures(7.45pm unless stated)
Premier Division- Cork City v Shamrock Rovers; Dundalk v Bray Wanderers; Galway United v Drogheda Utd; St Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians (Live on Setanta Sports Ireland); Sligo Rovers v Derry City.
First Division- Athlone Town v Limerick FC; Finn Harps v Mervue United (8pm); Kildare County v Longford Town (7.30pm); Monaghan United v UCD (8pm); Shelbourne v Waterford United (8pm); Wexford Youths v Sporting Fingal (8pm).
