Saints' chance to reel in Shels - February 23,
2001
St. Patrick's Athletic v Shelbourne 19:30
Bohs tried in midweek and failed to make significant inroads: now it's St. Pats' turn to try to reel in runaway leaders Shelbourne in tonight's televised six-pointer.
At the same time, the Saints - four league tiles in the Nineties - will be trying to establish that they, and not Bohemians, are still the genuine pretenders to the Dublin and national thrones.
The Inchicore side will almost certainly be without Colm Foley, who was stretchered off early in the game against Derry with a hamstring injury. Robbie Griffin is doubtful with a chest infection; an ankle ligament injury has prevented skipper Trevor Croly from training this week; and 'keeper Seamus Kelly has a shoulder strain but is expected to play.
With Richie Foran suspended, Dermot Keely must choose between Stephen Grant and Tony Sheridan to partner Dessie Baker up front. Sheridan was surprisingly preferred against Finn Harps but didn't deliver, so Grant should get the nod.
James Keddy is fit again and will challenge Mark Hutchinson for the left midfield slot.