Hoops recruit Bayly ahead of Pat’s clash

LAST season’s top two are in action in the Airtricity Premier Division tonight, with champions Bohemians away to UCD (7.45pm) and Shamrock Rovers at home to St Patrick’s Athletic (8pm).

Rovers announced yesterday they have signed former Leeds United and Sporting Fingal attacking midfielder Robert Bayly, an acquisition which will go some way to easing the considerable blow of having to do without ace marksman Gary Twigg (calf) and Dessie Baker (broken arm) for the opening two months of the season.

“With Dessie, it’s a case of seeing how quickly his arm heals,” says Hoops’ boss Michael O’Neill. “As for Gary, he’s had an operation and is recovering well.”