Despite the result in Turner's Cross, Damien Richardson says that his side will go into this evening's game against Shelbourne confident that they can maintain their early run of form at the top of the Premier Division table.

"I still think that Shelbourne will be the ones to beat," says the Rovers boss, "but there was a lot to be positive about in our performance on Sunday so we're going into the game in good form. There were mistakes against Cork but they were the sort that can be ironed out and if we do that then we're capable of doing well in this game."

The home side are close to full strength for the game with Pat Scully expected to be fit enough to play all 90 minutes this time although he will undergo a late fitness test on a thigh strain. Tommy Dunne, though, is suspended so Gareth Cronin, back after a few weeks on the sidelines, will almost certainly start.

Shelbourne are without Dessie Baker, who is also suspended. Trevor Fitzpatrick is the most likely replacement although if he does start then Dermot Keely is likely to revert to 4-4-2 despite the three-man attack having performed so effectively against Galway at the weekend. Jim Crawford, meanwhile, is back in the squad after recovering from a groin strain but is still lacking match fitness and destined, therefore, for a place on the bench.

Last season: Shelbourne 2 Rovers 2, Rovers 1 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne3 Rovers 1.

League form: Rovers: WWLWL; Shelbourne: WWLDW.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Francis (six), Grant (three); Shelbourne: R Baker (three), D Baker (two).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 6/4.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).