Rovers look over shoulders ahead of Shels clash

Shamrock Rovers meet Shelbourne at Richmond Park tonight (7pm) knowing defeat will drag them into a relegation dogfight.

Rovers’ 3-1 defeat to bottom club Dublin City last weekend has left the Hoops just nine points off last place and the lone relegation spot heading into the final stretch of the eircom League season.

That’s not the ideal preparation for a visit from league leaders and defending champions Shelbourne. Rovers also have to deal with injury doubts over Jason McGuinness, Paul Malone and goalkeeper Russell Payne.

Caretaker manager Noel Synott also has Trevor Molloy and Trevor Croly serving one-match bans.

Shelbourne, meanwhile, welcome back David Crawley from a one-match suspension which caused him to miss last Monday evening’s 3-1 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic.