Sheppard to miss trip to Fingal

Galway United travel to the Morton Stadium to take on Sporting Fingal in today’s Airtricity League Premier Division clash, kick-off 4.00pm.

United boss Sean Connor must plan without striker Karl Sheppard who is away on Under-19 International duty with Ireland.

The young centre-forward, who has been in great form for Galway this season, started for Ireland and helped them to a 1-0 win over reigning European Champions Ukraine.

Galway must also do without Barry Ryan and Rhys Meynell who are both out through suspension.

Shane McFaul returns from suspension for Fingal but John Frost is ruled out and Eamon Zayed faces a fitness test.

McFaul was an absentee for last Friday’s 1-1 draw at Shamrock Rovers, while Zayed didn’t feature because of a calf strain and Frost continues to suffer with hamstring trouble.

Shane Barrett (thigh) is also doubtful while Stephen Paisley has returned to training following his chest problem though is unlikely to figure in this one.

Defender Kenny Browne was struggling with flu earlier in the week, which curtailed his involvement in the mid-week Under-23 international, but is expected to be fit.

Fingal full-back Ger O’Brien said: “Galway will come to Morton Stadium with no fear. They’ve won at Bohemians already this season and held both Dundalk and Sligo Rovers to draws away from home.

“However, we’re in confident mood and showed improvements in last week’s 1-1 draw at Shamrock Rovers. It’s about converting those draws into wins as a few results would shoot us right up towards the top.”