Dundalk favourites in Drogs clash

Dundalk will be favourites to come out on top in tonight’s Louth derby against struggling Drogheda United at Oriel Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

A win for the home side will keep them in touch at the top of the table, however, despite their low position, Drogheda have hit a small bit of form beating Galway in the league and Mervue in the FAI Cup in recent weeks.

Colin Hawkins returns to the Lilywhites squad from illness but Nathan Murphy is a doubt with a hamstring strain.

Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), Stephen Maher (groin), Stephen McDonnell (knee) and Jason Byrne (hamstring) all remain out.

Michael Hector is ruled out through suspension but he also has a knee injury.

Dundalk manager Ian Foster said: “They’re desperate for points, as are we. I’m sure that both sets of supporters will be getting behind their teams and looking for their players to put on a decent performance.

“We can’t wait for the game. It’s always one you look for on the fixture list.”

Drogheda make the short trip north without Colin O'Brien who is serving a suspension.

Otherwise, manager Mick Cooke has a full squad to choose from.

United boss Cooke said: “We did what we wanted to do against Mervue and it was a good performance by the lads, especially to keep a clean sheet.

“Oriel Park is never an easy place to go, the fact that Ian Foster has been having injury problems will not be a factor for us and we will not underestimate Dundalk by any means.”