St Patrick's Athletic could move clear of Shamrock Rovers in second place in the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division if they beat Derry City at the Brandywell this evening, kick-off 7.45pm.

A win could see Pat's close the gap on leaders Drogheda United to four points, and also give them a cushion over fellow European and Setanta challengers Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, Cork City and Sligo Rovers.

Derry, meanwhile, will be anxious to continue their impressive run since Robertson took charge, which has them go seven games unbeaten in the league while also advancing to the final of the eircom League Cup and the quarter-finals of the FAI Ford Cup.

Derry manager John Robertson is without Gary Beckett, Alan Moore, Paddy McCourt, Mark McChrystal, Neil McCafferty and Ola Tidman.

As a result, Robertson has drafted in several players from the reserves, while Pat's manager John McDonnell is still without Colm Foley, who is nearing a return after medial knee ligament damage. Keith Fahey is suspended.