AIRTRICITY LEAGUE:ST PATRICK'S Athletic welcome goalkeeper Gary Rogers and midfielder Shane McFaul back from suspension as they hope to get their season back on track against a much-improved Drogheda United at Richmond Park tonight.
The Inchicore side have slipped seven points behind the leaders after a run of five league games without a win since briefly topping the table in late June.
“Off-field matters have been well documented of late, but training has gone very well this week and there is a good vibe within the team,“ said assistant manager John Gill.
“It is a big plus having Gary and Shane back this week,” added Gill.
Winger Seán O’Connor, who recently returned to the club, is St Patrick’s only injury worry with a calf strain. Midfielder Peter McMahon joins Jack Flynn and Colin O’Brien on Drogheda’s injured list.
“The consistency of our recent form is possibly the most pleasing aspect of the last few weeks,” said Drogheda manager Mick Cooke of his side’s best run of the season which has seen them take seven points from their last three games.
League leaders Derry City await international clearance for winger Owen Morrison, who has returned to the club for a third time following his release by FC New York, ahead of their trip to Bohemians. Midfielders Kevin Deery (calf) and Ruaidhri Higgins (virus) are doubtful starters having not trained this week. Ruairí Harkin and David McDaid are on standby.
“Bohemians boast experienced players and they appear to have hit a run of good form over recent weeks,” said a wary Derry manager Stephen Kenny whose side are on a 12-match unbeaten run in the league.
While Bohemians have lost both games to Derry this season, Pat Fenlon’s side have won five times in their six league matches since they last met.
Fenlon is without right winger Keith Buckley due to a broken nose received in the friendly with Everton last Monday while attacking midfielder Stephen Traynor (ankle) is also out.
Striker Anthony Flood, who scored Bohemians’ equaliser in the 1-1 draw with the Premier League side, returns to league action following a month out with a shoulder injury.
Dundalk goalkeeper Peter Cheerie will be hoping to celebrate with a clean sheet against Bray at Oriel Park on what will be his 75th appearance for the club.
His side unbeaten in five games, Dundalk boss Ian Foster remains without left-back Eoghan Osborne (broken leg), midfielder Stephen McDonnell (knee) and defender Colin Hawkins (hamstring), while fellow defender Nathan Murphy (toe) will need to prove his fitness.
Bray captain Gary Dempsey (back strain) is a doubt for Pat Devlin’s visitors. Kieran Waters, who made his debut last week, is struggling with a groin strain. “It will be a tough assignment against Dundalk, they gave us a bit of a hiding the last time we met,” said Devlin in reference to the 5-1 defeat at the Carlisle Grounds in June.
