Injury-hit Limerick need win tonight

LIMERICK manager Noel O’Connor will extend a warm welcome to his American brethren when Oran Weldrick and Conor Molan return from a summer sabbatical in the USA in time for the start of the League Championship next week.

Limerick, still nursing outside hopes of making the final of the first division League Cup competition, face the final test of the round robin stage tonight against Athlone Town with a squad reeling from an unprecedented run of injuries and suspension.

Manager O'Connor is certain to be without two who begin a two-game suspension this weekend Pat Purcell and Frank Browne. And no fewer than five other players are nursing injuries.

Experienced utility player Mick Kerley damaged a hamstring against Cobh last weekend, Barry Ryan injured an ankle in the same match, while Shane O'Donoghue, Derek Whyte and Stephen O'Flynn all needed treatment from the club physio this week. It is not the best background to thematch which must be won if Limerick are to take advantage of any possible upset when section leaders Kildare County play Waterford United on Saturday.

Limerick need a major step-up in form from last season if they are to attract the fans back to the game and they have made an encouraging start to the season, losing only one of their first four matches in the league.

Cobh Ramblers travel to play Kilkenny City tonight. While they can overtake Kildare County on points they are, to all intents and purposes, playing for the minor positions.

But manager Dave Hill has only one approach to Cobh's matches.

"We set out to win every game," he said bluntly when asked to identify his priorities in his first season as manager. "We can only improve. We have improved to a certain extent thus far but we have got to go on from here and build on what's been achieved."

What's been achieved for Cobh is a respectable return from their opening four matches in the competition with only one loss to Limerick. Also they came through their FAI Cup match and have to a glamour tie against Shamrock Rovers in the next round.

Cobh have worries about injured Willie Bruton and Mark Clifford is out because of suspension. But Jason Kabia is back after suspension.

Tonight's fixtures: First Division Cup, North Section: Dundalk v Sligo Rovers, Oriel Park 7.45. South section: Kilkenny City v Cobh Ramblers, Buckley Park 7.45; Limerick v Athlone Town, Jackman Park 6.30 pm.