Bohemians have been thrown a UEFA Cup lifeline with Ferencvaros, their Hungarian opponents in tonight's preliminary round second-leg clash, facing a fitness crisis. The Hungarians, who lead 1-0 from the first-leg, could have as many as seven first-team players missing for the game here, with five players laid low by a mystery virus.

in Budapest Hungarian internationals Peter Lipcsei, Zsolt Limperger, and Norbert Nagy are all doubtful, along with youngster Levente Schultz and influential Romanian midfield star Vasile Miriuta. Striker Ferenc Horvath is also out after breaking his leg in last week's first-leg in Dublin, and midfielder Otto Vincze's transfer from Swiss club FC Sion did not go through in time for him to be registered.

"We will see how the lads with the virus are at training this evening," said Ferencvaros assistant coach Laszlo Kiss. "But unfortunately it seems we will be missing several of the players from the side which played in Dublin."

A weakened Ferencvaros side could only draw at home to lowly BVSC Budapest in the Hungarian League on Saturday, but Kiss believes that even with a number of second-string players in the side, the 26-time Hungarian champions can defend their lead.

Bohemians midfielder Paul Doolin, who was suspended for the first-leg, is available for the return game. "It is great to have Paul back," said Bohemians' assistant manager, Larry Corbally. "He is an experienced player who has played in plenty of games like this."

Corbally said that despite the fitness problems facing Ferencvaros he expects another tough game.