Preview: St Pats vs Shamrock Rovers

St Patrick’s Athletic welcome Shamrock Rovers to Richmond Park on Monday evening knowing that a win will put them clear at the top of the Eircom Premier League. (kick-off 19:45). Pat’s, fresh back from their 1st European away victory, are now unbeaten in their last 7 games (in all competitions) and have already secured 7 out of a possible 12 Dublin derby points.

John McDonnell will have to plan without Noel Haverty having picked up an ankle injury in Riga. The talented Joseph Ndo will watch from the stands having expressed his desire to join Bohemians. Striker Gary O'Neill could feature having missed out in recent weeks with a groin injury.

The match will see the return of Darragh Maguire and Seán O'Connor to Richmond Park for the first time since their departure before the start of the season.

Shamrock Rovers currently lie in 7th place, six points adrift of Sligo Rovers in sixth, however the Hoops have two games in hand. Despite a somewhat disappointing season so far, Pat Scully is hopeful that a strong performance can earn them all three points against the Saints.

"They are the form team at the moment. I went to see them against Finn Harps and they ripped them to shreds. Pat's have a lot of money and they've brought in some really good players.

"They're the most technical side in the league – but that's what money can buy you. We're going to need a similar performance to the one we produced against them earlier in the season.

"The attitude of our players has been fabulous and once we keep playing well, there's no reason why we can't get a good result in Richmond Park against Saint Pat's."

In Rovers injury news, a long-term injury keeps John Martin (hip) sidelined, while Chris Mulhall and Robbie Creevy continue their rehabilitation. Eric McGill and Sean O'Connor are both suspended.

"Barry Ferguson (knee), Darragh Maguire (thigh) and Tadhg Purcell (calf) are all carrying slight injuries, but should be okay for the Saint Pats' game," says Hoops' boss Pat Scully.

Stephen Rice remains on the transfer list at his own request, but as of yet no club has come in to sign the midfielder. "Stephen is fit and available," says Scully. "If I need him, he will play.

"We've had no offers for him so far," Scully adds, "but no matter what happens he won't be leaving Shsmrock Rovers on a free transfer."

In other Rovers news, they have signed 20-year-old Simon Madden, an Irish under-21 international, who was also an apprentice at Leeds United.

Two younger players who have impressed since breaking into the first team have also agreed new terms. Corey Treacy has been signed as a professional, while Padraig Amond has agreed the terms of an extension to his contract.

"It's vital for the club that we develop young talent," says Hoops' Chairman Jonathan Roche. "So it's very gratifying to see Corey and Padraig both commit their futures to Shamrock Rovers."

The game kicks off at 19:45.