City manager Collins to face old club Bohs

Dublin City manager Roddy Collins faces his old club Bohemians tonight at Tolka Park (7.45pm) as the Gypsies begin life with a new boss of their own.

Collins led Bohs to a league and cup double in 2001 before leaving Dalymount Park to manage Carlisle United. The Gypsies have seen Pete Mahon and Stephen Kenny come and go since and have now turned to former Republic of Ireland midfielder Gareth Farrelly to take over the helm as player-boss.

After three games watching from the wings, Farrelly takes charge for the first time tonight but is unlike to name himself in the Bohs squad as he is still returning to fitness following a hamstring strain.

Left-back Simon Webb, central defender Ken Oman and midfielder Fergal Harkin are all sidelined through injury alongside Farrelly. Webb has a shoulder injury which will keep him out of action for another fortnight, Oman is again absent due to an ankle injury while Harkin sits it out with a knee injury that will mean a further five-week lay-off.

City, meanwhile, will hand an eircom League debut to former Wimbeldon striker Efan Ekoku and Polish midfielder Wojciek Korzan, who signed for the Vikings ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.