Shamrock Rovers continue their title push at Tolka Park tonight but manager Pat Scully will have to be on guard against an entirely unpredictable Waterford United (8pm).

The visitors, second from bottom in the Premier Division, have struggled to match pace with most of their rivals this season but were buoyed by last weekend's win over high-flying St Patrick's Athletic.

Gareth Cronin says that result has revived his side so Scully is calling for focus.  He knows a win will move Rovers to within three points of leaders Drogheda United.

Victory would also protect a proud record as Rovers have suffered just one league defeat at home - to Drogheda in April - since Scully took over in 2005.

"They're very physical and a strong side," Scully said of Waterford.  "If you don't play to your full potential against them you'll have problems. They'd a great win last Friday against St Pat's.

"We know that we'll have to perform really well against them if we're going to get the three points. Having said that, we are playing really well ourselves at the moment.

"I was very pleased by our performance in Longford (3-0 win) particularly in the second-half. We were a bit loose before half-time but I felt things improved dramatically after the break.

"We definitely found our touch in front of goal. Dave Tyrrell, Andy Myler and Ger Rowe all took their goals well, but we could've had more if we'd been a bit more clinical.

"It's very important that we get the three points tonight as it would put us that bit closer to Drogheda and St Pat's. It's a very important game for us."

An in-form Rovers team is traditionally difficult to overcome and Cronin, a former defender with the Dublin side, appreciates the stiff nature of the task..

But he believes the win over St Patrick's has installed a mental toughness that will stand to his players.  Nevertheless, he is also warning against resting on that one result.

"That was our best performance of the season," he said. "I thought from the very first minute to the end we looked very, very  organised. There was a great shape about us and I think we thoroughly deserved the three points.

"But that result is gone and we now have to concentrate on our next game. We will try to build on the good work and effort the lads have been putting in and get something from the game."

Rovers are still without long-term casualties Paul Shiels, Eric McGill and captain Aidan Price, while goalkeeper Barry Murphy (back) and Derek Pender (calf) also remain unavailable.
  
John Martin is expected to be in the squad having arrived from Longford, while there are doubts about the fitness of Dean Lawrence and Dave Tyrrell (both hamstring).
  
Waterford are without Alan Mulcahy (ankle) and Shane Harte (groin). Daryl Kavanagh (stomach bug) is doubtful. Karl Bermingham could feature having moved from Derry.