St Pat's expecting tough match against depleted Monaghan

Monaghan go into tonight's game against St Patrick’s Athletic without the services of four key players.

St Pat's have started the season impressively with two wins and no goals conceded while Monaghan have shown in their draw with Dundalk and narrow defeat by Shamrock Rovers that they will be a side to be wary of this term.

These sides last meet in a league game in March 2002 when the Saints won 4-0 in Gortakeegan.

St Pat's have just Aidan Price remaining on the injury list, while Christy Fagan serves the final game of a three match ban. Jake Kelly returns following a one match suspension.

Injuries look set to cost Monaghan the services of Willo McDonagh, Aidan Collins, Gareth O'Connor and Shaun Maher but Bobby Ryan should make his debut and Robert Bayly should also be available.

Darragh Reynor is suspended.

St Patrick’s Athletic boss Liam Buckley is still expecting a tough game from Monaghan.

He said: "If you look at last week’s matches, Monaghan were leading in Tallaght against Shamrock Rovers at half-time 1-0 and led up till the hour mark.

No doubt about it, Monaghan will be a very tricky side to play against as Roddy will have them well organised."

Monaghan United manager Roddy Collins said: "St Pats will be one of the teams to watch this season but again like last week we will not be going to make up the numbers.

"We had an excellent following last week and I hope that when they are leaving Richmond Park they will be at least equally proud of their side as they were leaving Tallaght."