National League: Bohemians manager Stephen Kenny, no stranger to winning promotion and keeping a side in the Premier Division, has complimented Waterford United on their surprisingly good start to life back in the top flight. The teams meet at RSC this evening with Jimmy McGeough's side going for a fourth win in succession.

"Waterford have adopted the right approach," said Kenny. "Some teams when they come up go negative, in feeling the need to get experience, and play defensively. Waterford have done the opposite and had a go."

While not unduly concerned that his champions, who expect to be unchanged, are already five points behind main rivals Shelbourne and Cork at the top, Kenny knows their performance level must improve.

With Wayne Fitzgerald almost certainly out with a groin strain, Kevin O'Brien can expect to come into Waterford's midfield. John Frost, who made his return from a hamstring strain as a substitute against UCD, is pushing to start.

Shelbourne have farmed Dessie Baker out on loan for a month to UCD as the striker continues his comeback following a serious knee injury.

Stuart Byrne (ankle) aside, Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon picks from the squad that has taken 10 points from their opening four games for the Dublin derby with St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park. Again the big decision for Fenlon is accommodating Wes Hoolahan.

St Patrick's, revitalised following their 4-1 win over Derry City last week, give late fitness tests to on-loan striker Jimmi Lee Jones and Charles Mbabazi Livingstone. Both have knee strains. David Freeman, Liam George and Michael Holt, who can operate up front, stand by.

Despite having players who can play in that position, Longford manager Alan Matthews pointed the finger of blame at a central defence that has conceded nine goals in four games by signing Brian McGovern from St Pat's. The ex-Irish underage international comes straight into the squad that travels to Drogheda United as changes are likely following last week's 3-0 home defeat to Cork City.

Drogheda, a point better off than Longford as they both hover above the bottom two, will hope to continue to confound their injury list as they strive to build on four points garnered from a win at Derry and a home draw with Shelbourne. Pat Scully (calf), Aidan Lynch (Knee), Mark Dempsey (foot) and Steven Gray (back) remain out while striker Declan O'Brien (knee) and winger Shaun Gallagher (Achilles) are doubtful starters.