Drogheda United will be hoping to close further in on Bray Wanderers and Dundalk as they host St. Patrick's Athletic at United Park.

Drogs have shown improved form of late, drawing two of their last three league matches, though their mood was dampened by a 3-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers last week in the Cup.

Steve Williams, Alan McNally and Robbie Farrell all remain injured so Robbie Martin is set for a place in attack. Shane Barrett is also expected to play some part as he continues his return to full fitness.

Jeff Kenna welcomes back Jamie Harris, Gareth O'Connor and inspirational defender Jason Gavin.

Glen Fitzpatrick is also in line for a place having made his return last week in the Ford FAI Cup clash with Limerick and Stephen Maher comes back into the squad after suspension.

It is not all good news for Kenna, however. Damian Lynch hurt his ankle in the Limerick game and misses out, while Darragh Ryan (hamstring), Alan Cawley (ankle), Gary Dempsey (leg), Mark Leech (leg) and Gints Freimanis (knee) are all still on the sidelines.

"Drogheda are a better side than people give them credit (for)," said Kenna.

"They gave us a very tough game in Richmond earlier this season, we were 2-0 up but they never gave up, they pulled it back to 2-1 and had us under real pressure.

"They’ve already beaten Cork and drawn with Rovers and so are well capable of putting it up to any team on their day.

"We’ve put in some decent performances in recent weeks, the more wins you get the more confidence you build up so I’m hoping we can continue that form into the break."

Day: Friday
Kick-Off: 19:45
Venue: United Park
Referee: Mr. M. Gough
Prediction: 1-2