Gaynor absent for final Louth derby of the season

The final Louth derby of the season takes place tonight as Dundalk and Drogheda United go head to head at Oriel Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

The season’s end cannot come quickly enough for Ian Foster’s side who have struggled with form throughout the second half of the season.

And tonight might be Foster’s last game in charge at Oriel Park as his contract is up at the end of the season.

Foster must plan without Ross Gaynor who is ruled out through suspension, while long-term absentees Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia) and Stephen Maher (fractured metatarsal) remain out.

Central midfielders Dean Bennett and Greg Bolger return from suspension, while Carl McHugh is also available after returning from international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-19s.

Mark Griffin is out injured as he is struggling with a groin injury.

Jack Flynn and Colin O'Brien remain out injured for Drogheda, while Lee Lynch is recovering from flu and is a doubt for the short trip north.

Alan McNally returns to the squad after serving a suspension, while Robert Duggan is also available having recovered from his shoulder injury.

United manager Mick Cooke said: “It's a great fixture for our last away game of the season, the lads will be up for this and it should be a good game.

“We have already won up there and we ran them close in the Cup, so there is no fear for us.

“We are looking forward to the game, they are always great occasions and we will want to end the last two games with two wins.”