Farrelly to watch Bohs in action

New Bohemians player-manager Gareth Farrelly continues his gentle immersion into eircom League tonight when he watches his players take on Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park (7.45pm).

The 28-year-old former Irish international midfielder joined Bohs last week as successor to Stephen Kenny and watched his new side crash out of the FAI Cup to first division Kildare County.

Farrelly, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, will carry on his spectator role tonight as new head coach Gary Howlett takes charge, an arrangement that will continue until after Monday night’s eircom League Cup final against Longford Town at Flancare Park.

Bohs meet their Dublin rivals with fresh optimism with a new management team in place and most of its injury-hit squad returning to fitness.

With striker Stephen Ward back to full fitness following a knee injury, only Fergal Harkin is still on the treatment table.

The midfielder has suffered a recurrence of a cartilage injury which had needed surgery during last winter will be out of action for up to six weeks.

Rovers will be without suspended striker Stephen Grant for the Dublin derby, enforcing at least one change from Tuesday night’s FAI Cup exit to holders Longford Town.