John O'Flynn's chances of featuring in Friday night's Eircom League title decider at Turner's Cross receded further yesterday when he missed Cork City's training session in order to travel to Dublin for further treatment on the groin strain that has sidelined him in recent weeks.

Goalkeeper Michael Devine, however, came through yesterday's training session without any apparent problems after reports that he was suffering from flu and he now looks certain to start.

Derry City's Stephen Kenny, meanwhile, expects to be missing just one player, Barry Molloy who is suspended. Killian Brennan, Gary Beckett and Kevin Deery have all come through training over the past couple of days without any problems while Clive Delaney is expected to shake off a foot injury.

Meanwhile, the first division clubs were handed the option of whether to play at home in the opening or second legs of next week's promotion/relegation play-offs when the draw was made yesterday. However, with the two possible qualifiers expressing contrasting preferences Shamrock Rovers will have to wait until the weekend before finding out where their battle for top-flight survival will resume.

The two games will take place next Tuesday and Friday and if Dublin City, who currently lead Cobh Ramblers by a point in the table, secure the runners-up spot in the division then Rovers will host the first match at Dalymount with the return game to be staged at an as yet unconfirmed venue on the 25th.

If Cobh overtake City, however, they will take on Roddy Collins's side at home in the first leg.

The organisers of the Setanta Cup have confirmed that the expanded competition will kick off next year on February 20th when all eight competing teams will play. The final of the event in which Linfield, Glentoran, Portadown, Dungannon Swifts, Derry City, Cork City, Shelbourne and either Drogheda United or Bohemians will all compete, has been scheduled for April 22nd.