Dundalk look to maintain lead

Dundalk can stay on top of the Premier Division table with victory over Sporting Fingal in tonight’s Premier Division clash at Morton Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Oriel Park outfit continue to plan without the services of midfielder Alan Cawley (cheekbone) and striker Tiarnán Mulvenna (knee).

Cawley will remain out of action for another six weeks as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone, although Mulvenna is set to return over the next couple of weeks.

Looking ahead to the trip to Sporting, Dundalk player/assistant manager Wayne Hatswell said: “I watched them against Sligo. They've got some good players and you can’t give them time and you can’t let them play.

“Gary O’Neill is a threat for them up front. They have experience at the back with (Shaun) Maher and (Stephen) Paisley. Obviously, (Shaun) Williams is suspended which will be a loss for them, but they’ve got a big squad and they’ll probably just replace him with like for like.

“They’re on a good run at the moment so it’s a home game they’ll be looking to and wanting to win.”

Fingal boss Liam Buckley must plan without Shaun Williams and Keith Quinn who are both suspended for the visit of Dundalk.

Defender John Frost is ruled out with the hamstring injury, however, midfielder Shane McFaul returns to bolster Buckley’s squad.

Lorcan Fitzgerald may be in with a chance of starting for Sporting having recovered from a fractured cheekbone.