Roddy begins Viking survival fight tonight

Roddy Collins makes his return to eircom League management tonight as bottom club Dublin City bid to bridge the gap between themselves and relegation rivals St Patrick’s Athletic at Tolka Park (7.45pm).

The former Bohemians manager was appointed Vikings manager during the week following John Gill’s resignation in the wake of last Friday's FAI Cup defeat by first division Monaghan United.

Collins, who will be assisted by former Bohemians favourite Terry Eviston, has the task of preserving City’s top flight status with the Vikings six points adrift of Longford Town and seven off tonight’s opponents St Pat’s.

"This is a massive challenge but I've been there before in situations like this and it's not one that I'll shirk from,” Collins said.

"In the three clubs I've been at I've been involved in around 160 relegation battles, so this is nothing new to me and to tell you the truth if the club had been mid-table it wouldn't have had the same type of appeal. I like a challenge.

"There's only five points difference and 16 games to go, so it's not quite panic stations. Everyone starts with a clean bill of health and I know what's required to ensure the safety of this club."