Bayly a doubt for Hoops

Shamrock Rovers could go ten points clear at the top of the table with victory over St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park tonight, kick-off 7.35pm.

The Hoops have serious doubts over the availability of Robert Bayly, who has a knee injury, while Pat Flynn will serve the second game of his two-match ban for a straight red card in the Bohemians game.

Aidan Price is available again after missing last week’s Sligo game through injury, while Pat Sullivan (knee) remains out.

Rovers manager Michael O’Neill said: “Looking back at the last game in Richmond Park, I feel that was probably one of our best, if not the best, performance of our season so far. The players like going to Richmond, and it is easy for them to get up for games there.

“Quite a few of the players have come into some great form in the last month or so. The players we have brought into games lately – like Sean O’Connor last week – have been excellent, just when we needed them.

“And we need that to continue over the next couple of months, especially tonight. It will be a tough game, but the players are all really looking forward to it.”

For Saints, Dave Mulcahy has recovered from a hamstring injury and was back training during the week so he is likely to feature.

Striker Paul Byrne is out for the season with a fractured ankle and midfielder Derek Doyle is suspended.

St Pat’s boss Pete Mahon said: “We’re in a pretty good position in terms of bodies and it’s great to have Dave Mulcahy available again. It’s disappointing to lose Derek Doyle, he gives us great balance I like left footed players playing on the left, he has been playing well and scoring a few goals also.

“We can’t afford to lose and go 10 points behind Rovers if we want to win the title.

“Seven points ahead with 8 games to go is a great position to be in but it aint over yet.”