League of Ireland:Waterford United have sacked defender Robert Brosnan after he breached his contract by playing Gaelic football just 48 hours before the biggest match of the club's season, against Longford Town at Flancare Park tonight (8pm, live on Setanta Ireland).

Brosnan featured as St Nicholas lost the Cork Senior Club semi-final to Nemo Rangers 1-14 to 0-7 on Saturday evening.

Second-last in the table, Waterford are five points ahead of Longford with five games to play. With only the bottom side relegated automatically, the game is the proverbial six-pointer.

Defender David Breen and midfielder Dave Mulcahy return tonight, while Kenny Browne is fit following a long injury lay-off.

"This is probably our most important game of the season," said manager Gareth Cronin. "We have to ensure we maintain the gap between us and three points would obviously be a big bonus in dragging Galway and Bray back into the mix for the play-off spot."

Longford's regular centre-halves, Damien Brennan and Kevin Doherty, are suspended.

"It's not win or bust, but if we lose they'll be eight ahead and it will be very difficult," said Longford manager Alan Mathews.

Bray Wanderers welcome captain Clive Delaney and midfielder Mark Duggan back from suspension for the visit of Derry City to the Carlisle Grounds. Striker Stephen Fox faces a late fitness test on a hamstring strain.

League Cup winners Derry remain without striker Sammy Morrow (foot) and have doubts over the fitness of left back Seán Hargan (groin), central defender Ken Oman (ankle) and midfielder Paddy McCourt (hamstring).

Left winger Killian Brennan returns from suspension.