Duo out, two more a doubt for Sporting

Sporting Fingal and St Patrick's Athletic battle it out in the race for third place at Morton Stadium this afternoon, kick-off 1pm.

Kenny Browne and Colm James are ruled out for Sporting. Defender Browne serves a one-match suspension, while James is suffering with a knee ligament injury.

Shane McFaul could feature after recovering from an ankle problem, while both Shaun Maher (ankle) and Eamon Zayed (foot) face fitness tests.

Fingal manager Liam Buckley said: “Dublin derbies always bring with them an element of fervour and that's only added to by the closeness of both teams in the table.

"Pat's had been challenging for the title throughout the season on a lot more consistent basis than us but, with five games to go for each, it's within our own hands to go and finish at least third.

"A major help would be three points against Pat's. That's no easy task as we've discovered this season but equally I was disappointed we didn't get at least a draw here in our last game at Morton while bitterly annoyed we couldn't hold on in the dying minutes for the victory at Inchicore in the previous meeting.

"We come into the game on the back of our biggest win of the season, 4-0 at Drogheda United last week, and there's fierce competition for starting places in the starting team."

For Saints, defenders Derek Pender and Ian Bermingham are both suspended.

Paul Byrne (ankle) Gareth Coughlan (broken leg) and Shane Guthrie (dead leg) are all sidelined.

Assistant manager John Gill said: “It’s getting a bit like cabin fever with ourselves and Fingal, this is the fifth time we’re playing the, so we know each other inside out at this stage.

“We’ve two contrasting styles but the games between us have always been good and close and we’ve managed to come out on top the last few times.

“I’m sure Fingal will be looking to address that and if we want to keep on track for Europe we’ll need to ensure that we’re up for it as well.”