Undaunted by a run-in that sees them play the top five teams in the table, Waterford United manager Gareth Cronin is confident his side can get the eight points he believes will prevent them finishing bottom.

Waterford begin their challenge with perhaps their most demanding game, against leaders Shelbourne tonight.With Ger McCarthy and Alan Cawley suspended, Daryl Kavanagh plays off Robert Brosnan in attack. James Chambers is ineligible as he's on loan from Shelbourne while Lee Russell is a doubt.

Defender Seán Dillon returns from suspension for Shelbourne.

Cork City winger Roy O'Donovan is suspended for the visit of Longford Town. John O'Flynn should start. Longford manager Alan Mathews must watch from the Turner's Cross stand, having been suspended following St Patrick's Athletic's defeat of the Midlanders in last Friday's FAI Cup quarter-final. Defender Danny O'Connor and midfielder Davy Byrne, sent off in that game, are suspended.

Derry City begin a run-in of 12 games in six weeks against Bohemians at the Brandywell with striker Mark Farren and winger Paddy McCourt doubtful. Bohemians continue without the injured Vinny Arkins and Des Byrne while right back Stephen Rice and midfielder John Paul Kelly are suspended.

Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin has lost James Keddy for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Striker Tony Grant remains out also, while defender Simon Webb is unavailable, after a bereavement, for their trip to face St Patrick's Athletic.

St Pat's have Keith Fahey and Mark Rooney available again.

UCD will play out the season without Stephen Hurley (hamstring) and Pat McWalter, who needs a cartilage operation on a knee. Paul Crowley (groin) and Darragh Ryan (ankle) are doubtful for the visit of Bray. Defenders Brian McGovern and Stephen Gifford return to the Bray squad as manager Eddie Gormley plans without Philip Keogh, who has a groin injury. - Paul Buttner