St. Patrick's Athletic boss Pat Dolan has a worrying wait to see whether his in-form strikers Liam Kelly and Ger McCarthy will win their battle to be fit to play against Kilkenny City tonight at Richmond Park.

This is the first meeting between the clubs since St. Pat's won the 1998 title with a final-day victory at Buckley Park and it is sure to prove a tough test for Dolan's side, who seem to have turned the corner by putting their bad start to the season behind them.

Both Kelly and McCarthy picked up knocks in last week's 2-2 draw at Bohemians and are scheduled for late fitness tests before tonight's game.

Dolan said: "I was in the Marble City on Saturday night to witness their (Kilkenny) match versus Longford and I could not but be impressed with the spirit and work ethic that I witnessed.

"Even with nine men, they kept attacking and were very unfortunate to lose. It is great to see Greg Costello back in action and his cultured performances will once again be an asset to our league."

Kilkenny are beginning to struggle in the league. They have only earned two points from a possible 24 in their last eight league games and need things to change rapidly if they are to have any hope of remaining in the top flight.

American goalkeeper Matt Nelson could well start for his new team tonight - if he has got over the shock of being locked up in Mountjoy Jail on his arrival in Ireland.

Nelson played for the Boston Bulldogs and has a good reputation between the sticks. Will he do the trick and stop the Kilkenny slide?