Depleted Bohs travel to face Sporting Fingal

Sporting Fingal can stay in touch at the top of the table with a victory over Bohemians at Morton Stadium tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Ger O’Brien remains sidelined for Fingal, while Shane McFaul will undergo a pre-match fitness on an ankle injury.

O’Brien has had his ankle problem scanned and, while there is no major damage reported, he’s expected to be out for another week.

McFaul was forced off injured during Fingal’s penalty shoot-out victory over Limerick in Monday’s FAI Ford Cup fourth round replay and is rated doubtful.

Sporting boss Liam Buckley said: “It’s vital for our prospects of finishing above them that we get the three points against Bohemians. Our games earlier in the season were close but we’re in good shape for this one.

“Colin Hawkins played his first game on Monday (against Limerick) for two months since breaking his ribs and his return is a major plus.”

Raffaele Cretaro (hip) and Paul Keegan (thigh) are out through injury and Ken Oman also misses out through suspension.

Steven Gray and Anto Murphy remain out with long-term Achilles injuries, while Killian Brennan is recovering from flu but may be fit for selection.

Reserve players Gary Burke (forward) and Shane Keeley (midfield) have been drafted into the squad.

Gypsies boss Pat Fenlon is happy with his side’s recent form. He said: “We’re very pleased with the runs of wins. We set ourselves targets for six league games and half-way through that series we have maximum points.

“When these six games are finished, we’ll see where we are and set ourselves new targets for the last six. We aim to win as many games as possible and take advantage if other teams slip up.

“Sporting Fingal will be looking to beat us on their home ground. There hasn’t been much between us in any of the games this season.