Trio return as Dundalk face St Pat's in FAI Cup

The top two sides in the Premier Division meet in the tie of the round as Dundalk face St Patrick’s Athletic at Oriel Park in the FAI Ford Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.

Dundalk boss Ian Foster is likely to be missing Liam Burns as he is struggling with an abdominal muscle tear.

JJ Melligan (hip flexor strain), Shaun Kelly (groin) and Neale Fenn (rested) could all return having missed the win in Waterford.

Michael Synnott is a certain absentee as he is still carrying a knee injury.

Brian Cash returns to the Saints squad having recovered from a thigh strain, however, Dave McAllister is suspended and Derek Pender remains out with a knee injury.

Assistant coach John Gill said: “We’re disappointed with recent results especially with the defeat to Sligo.

“We had a few injuries going into that game and we made some changes with the cup game in mind.

“Dundalk is a real football club, it’s always a great football ground to play in and this has the makings of a very good game.

“Dundalk have been in the top two or three this season and full credit must go to Ian Foster.

“Like ourselves, Dundalk have been working hard with a limited budget and it’s just a pity that one of the clubs will miss out at such an early stage of the competition, but that’s football.”