The visit of Waterford United to Richmond Park tonight presents Shamrock Rovers with the double incentive of finally getting back in touch on the domestic front after their InterToto Cup adventure and avenging a controversial 2-0 defeat at the RSC earlier in the season. Paul Buttner reports.
Rovers have suffered two successive 3-2 defeats following their month-long European campaign, which resulted in them losing second place in the Premier Division table - now occupied by Waterford - and ending their involvement in this season's FAI Cup.
Some consolation was drawn from the fact that Rovers were most unfortunate to lose to St Patrick's Athletic last week after playing much of the good football in the game.
"We played really well against St Pat's and didn't deserve to lose," agreed Buckley. "I've stressed to the players that I want a similar performance this week, obviously with the right result."
With Keith Doyle still rehabilitating from a fractured cheekbone, Rovers are otherwise at full strength and Buckley is likely to name the same 11 as started against St Patrick's.
Waterford are not so fortunate as they wait on skipper John Frost who has been sidelined for a fortnight with a punctured lung and has not yet been passed fit to train.
Striker Daryl Murphy (groin) and Brian Mallon (back), rested for the cup win at Everton last week, require late fitness tests.
"For me these (Waterford v Rovers) are always the big matches of the season," said Waterford manager Jimmy McGeough. "I'm looking forward to a football feast. We won't fall short. It will be a good match; they always are when these sides meet."
Derry City will again be without both left back Sean Hargan and striker Gary Becket for the important league clash at Cork City when new manager Dermot Keely has an early meeting with his old rival, Pat Dolan.
New signing from Kildare County, goalkeeper Wayne Russell, should make the bench, but Robbie Hedderman, acquired from Cork this week, won't feature against his former club.
Ryan Casey, whom Dolan has signed from St Patrick's Athletic, should come in for his debut as Cork strive to get back on track after two bad defeats, at Waterford in the league and at home to Shelbourne in the cup.
Meanwhile, John O'Flynn, his agent and both clubs have said there is no substance to stories of a possible transfer to Scottish First Division side Falkirk.
Drogheda will be hoping they can make it three wins on the spin and stretch their advantage on bottom-of-the-table UCD to 15 points with a victory at Belfield.
UCD will be without Robbie Martin for 10 weeks after the striker fractured a bone in a foot in last week's cup win over Belgrove.
Tonight's fixtures (7.45 unless stated) National League Premier Division - Cork City v Derry City; Shamrock Rovers v Waterford United; UCD v Drogheda United. First Division - Athlone Town v Kildare County; Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers (8.0).
