Caulfield counting on home support as Cork prepare to host leaders Dundalk

After their deflation at Dalymount Park last Friday, Cork City manager John Caulfield wants the home crowd to give his side every possible lift when they meet leaders Dundalk in the top-of-the-table clash at Turner's Cross tonight.

That 2-0 lost to Bohemians ended Cork's nine-match unbeaten run, enabling Dundalk to go three points clear at the summit following their 5-1 win over Bray last Sunday.

“I’m appealing to the crowd to get into the ground early,” said Caulfield. “We know it will be another big crowd and I’m hoping that they can create an atmosphere and make it difficult for Dundalk.

“We know how big the match is . . .Dundalk may be odds-on favourites for the league, but they’re coming to Cork, so we need to see if we can put in a good performance and I am hoping we will.”

Ankle injury

Caulfield has midfielder Garry Buckley back from suspension, Gearóid Morrissey may finally be fit following an ankle injury while new signing Ross Gaynor comes straight into contention at left-back. Michael Rafter, Darren Murphy and Rob Lehane are out injured.

Save for long-term injured captain Stephen O'Donnell, Dundalk travel in good health. Keith Ward is approaching full fitness following a back injury while fellow midfielder Chris Shields returns from suspension.

The returning Iarfhlaith Davoren comes straight into contention to start at left-back for Sligo Rovers as they travel to St. Patrick's Athletic. Midfielder John Russell returns from injury, though Jeff Henderson and Raffaele Cretaro remain out.

Keith Fahey completes his three-match ban for St. Patrick's who are also without central defender Ken Oman due to calf injury.

Professional contract

St Patrick’s have signed utility player Aaron Greene following his release by Sligo while Jack Bayly, a member of their under-19 side, has been given a professional contract. Lee Lynch has left to join home-town club

Limerick

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His ongoing knee injury means Joseph Ndo must wait for his Limerick debut, though fellow new signings, Kieran Djilali (Sligo) and Lynch, may start in the side to face Shamrock Rovers at Thomond Park.

Goalkeeper Barry Ryan is fit to return along with midfielder Darragh Rainsford, though wide player Colm Murphy is out due to concussion.

Defender Rob Cornwall is Shamrock Rovers’ only absentee as they welcome midfielder Stephen McPhail back from his four-match suspension.

Derry City have their captain Clifford Byrne back from a ban ahead of facing Bohemians at the Brandywell. New signing Shaun Kelly is likely to come into the side, though Danny Ventre Nathan Boyle and Rory Patterson are all injury doubts.

Bohemians travel with a full squad. Bray Wanderers’ hopes of ending their run of six straight defeats at home to bottom side Athlone Town are being hampered by a spate of injuries which has left them without Dave Webster, Adam Hanlon, Shane O’Neill, Gary Curran and Dave Scully.