Dundalk focusing on league after Euro exploits

Shamrock Rovers can go top of the table with victory over St Patrick's Athletic at Tallaght Stadium tonight (kick-off 8pm).

Dundalk take on neighbours Drogheda United in tonight’s Louth derby at Oriel Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites will be without Michael McGowan, Garry Breen, Ross Gaynor and Ciaran McGuigan due to suspensions, while JJ Melligan has also confirmed his departure to return to Cheltenham Town.

Michael Synnott, Peter Cherrie and Liam Burns all missed Thursday’s European six-goal thriller in Luxembourg through injury and remain doubtful.

Dundalk defender Shaun Kelly said: "We are not even thinking of the European fixture (against CS Grevenmacher on Thursday) at the minute.

“The league is our bread and butter and we know how important this fixture is. We are on a poor run of results at the minute but we will not get too downhearted and give our all on Monday night to get the three points."

For Drogheda, Jamie Duffy returns to the squad after being suspended since before the break.

Meanwhile, there are a number of injury worries for United as Brendan McGill, Corie Treacy, Jamie Harris, Robbie Martin, Darragh McNamara and Chris Kerr are all carrying knocks.

Caretaker boss Darius Kierans said: “It will be a tough match, as it always is. It is an important one for us, especially because it is a local derby.

"They had a good game in Europe during the week, and it probably isn't an ideal time for them to have a match, in between European fixtures, but I am sure they will be looking to gain the three points and push on in the second half of the league.

"We had a great win on Friday, we were delighted with that. We have been playing well, putting in the performances and go to Dundalk confident and looking for a result."