Rovers boss Bradley plots for St Pat's without starlet Ozhianvuna

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers hope to have ex-Inter Milan tyro Kevin Zefi registered in time to face Bohemians.

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley consoles Victor Ozhianvuna of Shamrock Rovers as he comes off with an injury. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers will be without Arsenal-bound midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna for Friday’s top-of-the-table clash against St Patrick’s Athletic as the champions look to swell their buffer at the summit.

A headed winner by former Ireland defender Enda Stevens earned the Hoops a 2-1 comeback victory at Bohemians on Monday and another Dublin derby triumph could put them eight points clear by the midway stage of the season.