Former Everton midfielder Gary Dempsey could be thrown in at the deep end tonight at Dalymount Park against Bohemians for his new club, Bray Wanderers, because of a serious injury crisis at the Wicklow club.

Dempsey has only made had one appearance for Bray since he joined from Everton - and that came as a sub on Tuesday night against Shamrock Rovers in the League Cup. But he could well start tonight's league game against Bohs because of injuries.

Bray manager Pat Devlin could be without the services of Colin Tresson (calf strain), Jason Byrne ('flu), Eddie Gormley (groin), Kieran O'Brien (hamstring), Keith Long (ankle), John Walsh (groin) and Barry O'Connor (hamstring).

The injuries to Tresson and O'Connor will disappoint Devlin because he would have hoped to have both ready to play after they had served suspensions which kept them out of the last game.

Other players' woes could lead to Dempsey's chance. The Wexford town man has had an unlucky time in his short career. He should and would have captained Ireland to the u16 European Championship win in 1998 - but just before the competition he broke his leg.

The injury held him back at Everton and he faded into the background. It was no surprise when he was released at the end of last season. He spent the summer looking for a new club and looked destined to be playing junior football with North End in Wexford, until Bray came to his rescue and offered him a contract.

The 19-year-old has a lot to offer to the Wicklow club and if given the chance he will make a huge name for himself in Irish football. Let's hope so anyway because he deserves a bit of luck.