President-elect Higgins set to cheer on Galway

Galway United v Monaghan United

Galway United must overturn a two-goal deficit for Premier Division survival as they take on Monaghan United in tonight’s Airtricity League Promotion Relegation clash at Terryland Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

United were beaten 2-0 at Gortakeegan on Tuesday and manager John Brennan must plan without midfielder Sean Gavin, who is suspended after picking up a red card against Monaghan.

Brennan is also without long-term injured duo Johnny Keane (knee) and Victor Collins (achilles tendon).

Gary Kelly took a knock to his ankle on Tuesday and is rated as doubtful, while Mikey Gilmore is also a doubt with a calf strain.

John Egan (knee) and Eric Holland (hamstring) may be fit enough to start on the bench, but they're not expected to start.

Brennan said: "We've got to go at them, we need to go out and attack. We've got 90 minutes to turn it around. We've got to give it a go."

For Monaghan, Eric Foley is ruled out through suspension after picking up a red card on Tuesday.

John Reilly returns from suspension and manager Roddy Collins has a strong squad to choose from for the trip west.

Collins said: “The qualifiers are like being in a cup final and it is half time. We have the cushion of the two-goal lead but.

“I was satisfied with our performance in the first leg, with a bit more luck we could have extended the lead. There is a great determination in the dressing room and the lads need no motivation from me in making their final push for promotion.”

President elect Michael D Higgins will be at Terryland Park tonight supporting his home side Galway.