National League Premier Division: Pending his international clearance, Paul Hopkins, a former Liverpool, Everton and England underage international striker, should make his debut for Waterford United against Shelbourne at Tolka Park tonight.

Hopkins (19) was a schoolboy revelation at Liverpool, smashing Robbie Fowler's record of three hat-tricks in a row by hitting an amazing six in succession.

He later joined Everton, where he averaged 15 goals a season at their academy. Hopkins progressed to the Everton reserves and made the first-team squad at the start of last season. But he drifted out of the reckoning and was loaned to Darlington before being released at the end of last season.

"I am happy that Paul has come to Waterford," said the club's manager, Mike Kerley. "We are hoping that his international transfer comes through quickly and if that happens then he will go straight into the squad for the Shelbourne game."

Midfielder Alan Reynolds, re-signed from Shelbourne last week, is ineligible to play as part of the transfer deal.

Shelbourne wait on midfielder Alan Moore, who requires a fitness test on a groin strain.