Duo out for Dundalk as UCD travel without defender

UCD and Dundalk both have a point to prove when they clash in tonight’s Airtricity League Premier Division clash at Oriel Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

College are looking to bounce back from a home defeat to Bray Wanderers while Dundalk will be hurting from their 3-2 defeat to St Pat’s after leading 2-0.

UCD travel without defender Sean Harding as he misses out through injury.

Otherwise, College boss Martin Russell has a full squad to choose from.

Russell said: “Dundalk have a much stronger squad this year, adding a bit more quality. It will be a good challenge for our lads and the fact is our squad is still learning.”

The Lilywhites must plan without former UCD midfielder Greg Bolger as he is ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury.

Left-back Eoghan Osborne is also ruled out with a fractured tibia, while midfielder Stephen Maher is a doubt as he has a groin strain.

Dean Bennett is another doubt for manager Ian Foster as he is struggling with a hamstring strain.

Dundalk boss Foster said: “The lads have the bit between their teeth because they feel they let people down last Friday.

“There is no point in dwelling on it. You have to learn from it quickly. It is a good learning curve for the young players, although it is a difficult one to take. We all have to take responsibility for the last 30 minutes at Richmond Park.”