Today

Longford Town v Monaghan United (7.30)

Longford's injury problems have been a major factor in the club's disappointing start to the season and Stephen Kenny is hoping that a couple of those who have been missing over the past few weeks will return to help his side against strugglers Monaghan United this evening.

Wes Byrne (thigh), Seβn Prunty (achilles) and Keith O'Connor (flu) are all in with a shout of starting this evening, although Kenny will wait until later on today before making a final call on any of them.

Shay Zellor, who came back in against Bray despite having been laid up for several weeks, will probably figure in some way.

Having failed miserably to cope with Paul Keegan on Wednesday night, the Longford players can at least expect a slightly less cutting edge to the Monaghan attack this evening and Bobby Browne's hopes of United picking up their first win of the season are not helped much by the ongoing injury problems that he has to endure. Eddie Myer (ankle), Derek McGrath (hamstring) and Mick Scully (back) are all out for this evening's game while John Carroll (hamstring) is doubtful.

"It's an important game for us," says Browne, "because we've been playing fairly well without getting anything back and really all I think they need now is to get that first win because after that I think it might all start to come a bit easier."

Last season: Did not meet.

Leading scorers: Longford: Lavine and Kirby (three apiece); United: Vaughan and O'Callaghan (one apiece).

League form: Longford: LLWDL; United: DLLLL.

Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 5/2, Away: 7/1.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Tomorrow

Cork City v Shamrock Rovers (2.0)

City manager Liam Murphy looks set to choose from a full panel for tomorrow's visit of Rovers to Turner's Cross although Mark Herrick will not be involved after a fee was agreed for the midfielder with Galway United.

James Mulligan, who missed the mid-week win over Galway with a dead leg, came through Thursday night's training session without any problems and, while a final decision on his fitness won't be made until this morning, the former Finn Harps strikers will probably return up front at the expense of 18-year-old Colin O'Brien who scored twice in the past week. Rovers may well be missing Pat Scully (calf) for the first time since the defender arrived during the summer.

Also doubtful is Tony Grant (groin) while top scorer SeβFrancis is more likely to miss out due to a thigh strain. If they both do end up having to sit the game out then Tony Cousins and Stephen Grant will get the chance to partner each other up front.

Last season: Rovers 4 City 1, City 1 Rovers 2, Rovers 1 City 2.

Leading scorers: City: Cahill (three), O'Grady and Colin P O'Brien (two apiece); Rovers: Francis (five), Grant (three).

League form: City: DLWWW; Rovers: WWWLW.

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 5/2, Away: 6/4.

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin),