NATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEWS:THE ELEMENT of merry-go-round that prevails among the big Dublin clubs ensures the loyalties of some are often tested on derby days. Pat Fenlon and Stephen Rice are prime examples at Tolka Park this evening.

While Fenlon grew up supporting Shamrock Rovers before having a stint with them as a player, he was no stranger to playing them in the colours of their fiercest rivals, and he will manage Bohemians against the Hoops for the first time tonight.

Rice would probably still be a Bohemians player had Fenlon taken over earlier from Seán Connor but will line out against his former team-mates this evening.

"I played for both clubs in these games and I know how important they are to the supporters," says Fenlon, "but I think the supporters always knew that whatever club I was playing for in any game, I gave everything, and the players have to realise that."

Rice's delight at Connor's close-season Dalymount demise suggests he might have been happy to have stayed there but his form for Rovers is an indication of his application and he dismisses any idea he might be affected by meeting his old club. "Sure, I grew up in Crumlin, where I was surrounded by Rovers fans, and it was always on the cards I might play for them some day," he says. "I'm here now and enjoying it. We all know what (Rovers manager) Pat (Scully) expects of us and so far we're doing well. We'll just be looking to build on that against Bohemians."

Fenlon's men go into the game a point behind Rovers in the table having lost another Dublin derby, against St Patrick's Athletic. That loss was a stark reminder of the value of hunger and determination on these occasions, but Fenlon is well placed to remind his players of the fact ahead of tonight's kick-off.

With Killian Brennan suspended since that defeat and Kevin Hunt, Neale Fenn (both injured), John Paul Kelly and Ken Oman (both viruses) joining them on the sidelines, Fenlon could be better fixed. But Glen Cronin, at least, is available again.

Scully, of course, would be hard pressed to remember the last night he had a full squad to pick from and he will again be without Aidan Price, Pádraig Amond, Chris Mulhall and Pat Flynn.

"It's a night," observes the St Patrick's Athletic manager Johnny McDonnell, "when a lot of things could happen. Rovers could go top or we could pull away a bit. It's good but it's early days and the important thing for us is to keep the heads down and look to maintain the winnings start."

Jamie Harris will go straight back into the side to face Derry City at Richmond Park this evening, while Joseph Ndo should be fit to make the bench. Michael Keane and Ryan Guy, however, are set to miss the game with flu.

Derry have Sammy Morrow, Darren Quigley, Kevin Deery, Mark McChrystal and Seán Hargan all ruled out.

In the "could to better" section are Drogheda United and Cork City, who have what look like winnable home games, against Galway United and UCD, this evening. Inevitably, both managers talk down their chances but admit the importance of winning given their sides are eight points off the pace. "Clearly we need the win," says Drogheda manager Paul Doolin, "although we're not panicking . . . It's difficult to come back after winning the title and try to do it again but I have great confidence in my players and as long as they give it a go I'll be happy."

Doolon will be without Dan Connor and Declan O'Brien while Shane Barrett is a major doubt but Jason Gavin should feature again.

Galway's caretaker boss Billy Clery may use a couple of the club's under-21s as he expects to be without Stephen O'Flynn, Derek Glynn and Wes Charles.

Cork manager Alan Mathews has Gareth Farrelly and Billy Woods sidelined while UCD boss Pete Mahon has Alan Mahon and Alan McNally back from suspension.

Bray Wanderers, still goalless, are without strikers Ger Rowe and Andrei Georgescu for the visit of Harps. Kevin Doherty and Mark Duggan face late fitness tests. Harps will miss the suspended Kevin Ramsey but Stephen Parkhouse, Gary Beckett, Tony Shields and Aaron Labonte have chances to prove their fitness.