Rovers look to continue good league run

Galway United v Shamrock Rovers team news

Shamrock Rovers travel to face Galway United tonight looking to make amends for Saturday's Cup exit at the hands of Sligo Rovers, kick-off at Terryland Park is at 7.45pm.

The game is live on TG4 and a win for Rovers could see the Hoops move second in the table.

Doubts for Galway include John Lester, Ciaran Foley, John Russell, Stephen O'Flynn and Liam McKenna.

Alan Keane and Chris Armstrong remain out with long term injuries and Alan Murphy sits out the match due to suspension.

United boss Tony Cousins knows Shamrock Rovers will be a difficult proposition. He said: "Rovers are riding high at the moment with aspirations of winning the league and tomorrow night (Friday) is going to be difficult, but it's a challenge we're really looking forward to."

The Hoops are still without long-term injury victims Paul Shiels and Eric McGill, who were recently joined by captain Aidan Price, suffering from a broken metatarsal.

Barry Ferguson returns after a one-match ban while Danny O'Connor remains suspended.

Ian Ryan and David Cassidy are both doubtful as they are suffering from the vomiting bug.

Barry Murphy, following a collision during last Saturday's FAI Ford Cup tie against Sligo Rovers, is out for at least three weeks.

"Everyone got a bit of a fright when Barry went down last Saturday," said Hoops boss Pat Scully. "But thankfully it wasn't serious and he'll be back in 2-3 weeks.

"He's very stiff and extremely sore and will be undergoing a series of massage therapy. After that we'll ease him back into things and make sure he fully recovers."

Rovers' goalkeeping coach Stephen O'Brien will replace Murphy between the posts and Scully has every confidence in the former Shelbourne, Longford Town and Bohemians goalkeeper.

"Stephen's a goalkeeper of great experience," added Scully. "Even when he came on against Sligo last Saturday he did a fine job for us and he'll fit in very comfortably."