Byrne out for Dundalk

Dundalk take on struggling Galway United in tonight’s Airtricity League Premier Division clash at Oriel Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Jason Byrne may return to bolster the Dundalk attack after recovering from a leg injury.

Dean Bennett and Colin Hawkins are both doubtful with ankle injuries, while Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia) and Stephen McDonnell (knee) remain out.

Galway are struggling with financial issues at the moment and Dundalk defender Colin Hawkins is concerned for his hometown club.

Hawkins said: “Obviously, I’m from Galway and I’d know a lot of their players and I know they’re having awful difficulties in the last few weeks down there.

“It is sad. Definitely, I would like to see them get out of the trouble they’re in. I know they’ve put all their players available for transfer and maybe that might help the club in the long run to stay afloat, because that’s the most important thing, that Galway has a club to support.

“But we won’t worry about that on Friday. It’s all about our own job. We have got to go out and do it and try to get three points and then think about it next week.”

Sean Kelly (knee), Joe Yoffe (ankle), Rory Gartlan (groin), Shane Keogh (foot fractures) and Enda Curran (knee) are all out injured for Galway.

Jonathan Keane has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Steve Feeney is suspended.

Speaking about putting the entire squad up for sale, Galway boss Sean Connor said: “I met with all the players, they're devastated but I have to be realistic and look after them as professionals and everyone of our players is available. I would expect a number of major movements in the next few days.

“I joined the club last year and was given the task of keeping the club in the Premier Division on a reasonably small budget. I was promised year on year there would be incremental increases.

“We stayed up but really since then in every transfer window the budget has been cut.

“With the run we're on at the moment and then to be told you have to release all your professional players, it's difficult because you feel a loyalty to the players you brought to the football club.”