Rovers playing for future in Rod squad

Shamrock Rovers players will be playing for their futures at the club as new manager Roddy Collins runs the rule over his Hoops against St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park tonight (7pm).

Rovers had their Premier Division status secured for another season in midweek when relegation rivals Dublin City, Collins’ charges until only last week, finally succumbed to the drop.

And with cash from new shareholder Conor Clarkson to ensure a long-awaited move to their new stadium in Tallaght, Collins is sure to have some leeway in the transfer market during the close season.

The former Bohemians and Carlisle boss implemented a mass clearout of players at Dublin City during his ill-fated reign over the Vikings and Rovers players will be aware of the same fate befalling them if they don’t impress in the remaining two games of the campaign.

St Pat's, meanwhile welcome back striker Robbie Doyle from suspension but are without defender Dessie Byrne, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring problem.