Tommy Dunne expects fierce Cork challenge

Though they may have won their last three home games, Galway United manager Tommy Dunne will demand far greater effort from his players this evening if they are to make that a fourth when second in the table Cork City — unbeaten away this season — arrive at Eamonn Deacy Park.

“It’s another big game for us, we’re at home and we need the three points — regardless of whether it’s Cork City or anybody else,” said Dunne.

“We’re facing one of the top sides in the country, so we know that we’ve got to improve our levels of performance to get a positive result against them.”

A foot injury rules Andy O’Connell out of Dunne’s selection equation, while fellow defender Stephen Walsh needs to pass a fitness test if he’s to feature.

Central defender Alan Bennett should be back fit for John Caulfield’s Cork. Striker Danny Morrissey has also returned to full training this week, but club captain John Dunleavy and winger Kieran Djilali remain out injured.

Champions Dundalk, six points clear at the top of the table, have Brian Gartland, Darren Meehan and skipper Stephen O’Donnell back fit to give manager Stephen Kenny a full squad ahead of the visit of Bohemians to Oriel Park.

If only Keith Long, Bohemians’ manager, was so fortunate as Marc Griffin has joined Derek Pender, Anto Murphy and Paddy Kavanagh on their injured list while striker Dean Kelly is a doubt.

A hip injury rules Keith Fahey out of Shamrock Rovers’ clash with Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

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Tonight’s fixtures (7.45 unless stated)

Premier Division:

Bray Wanderers v Longford Town Derry City v St. Patrick’s Athletic Dundalk v Bohemians Galway United v Cork City Limerick v Drogheda United Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers (8pm).

First Division:

Athlone Town v Finn Harps Cobh Ramblers v Waterford United UCD v Cabinteely Wexford Youths v Shelbourne (8pm).

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