High-flying Drogheda look to close on Rovers

Drogheda United can move within three points of Premier Division leaders Sligo Rovers with victory over Shelbourne in tonight’s crucial clash at Tolka Park (8pm).

Hoping to make it six league games unbeaten, Drogheda boss Mick Cooke was delighted by his team’s 2-0 victory over high-flying St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park last week.

Drogheda will be without the suspended Ryan Brennan but back from one-match bans are Stephen Quigley and Eric Foley.

Shelbourne will be hoping to build on last week’s narrow 3-2 victory over Bray Wanderers but boss Alan Mathews must plan without the suspended Barry Clancy and the injured Glen Cronin.

Champions Shamrock Rovers will be without suspended striker Gary Twigg and the injured Aaron Greene when they play host to Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium (7.05pm, live on RTÉ 2).

Central defender Craig Sives has a late fitness test after picking up a knock in Tuesday’s Champions League scoreless draw with Lithuanian side Ekranas.

Bray boss Pat Devlin must plan without the suspended Marty Waters but back after injury are Dave Webster and Sean Houston as well as the suspended Danny O’Connor and Adam Mitchell.

Dundalk will be hoping to climb out of the relegation zone when an out-of-sorts Derry City are the visitors to Oriel Park (7.45pm). Caretaker boss Darius Kierans will be hoping his side can show the same enthusiasm as in last week’s 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers.

Goalkeeper Pater Cherrie makes his 100th appearance for Dundalk but doubtful with an ankle problem is central defender Liam Burns.

Derry have Simon Madden and Stephen McLaughlin back after suspension while Mark Farren faces a late fitness test.