St Patrick's Athletic recently slipped off the summit of the eircom Premier Division table, and manager Johnny McDonnell wants to hedge his European bets by progressing in the cup at the expense of last year's beaten finalists Longford Town.

'It's the start of the cup competition and five matches and five wins could see a team with a trophy and qualification for Europe so we'll be trying to go as far as we can,' said McDonnell.

'We're playing at home and no disrespect to Longford but on home ground we've a great chance of making it into the next round.

'Longford are a revamped young team, they've made a good start to the season and they will be eager. With the cup anything can happen so we will be treating the match with a lot of caution.'

McDonnell is still without the injured Keith Fahey, David Partridge, John Frost and Michael Keane. There is some good news on that front for the Saints, however, as Michael Keane is back in training and defender Stephen Paisley has overcome a groin problem.

Longford's first-choice goalkeeper Shay Kelly remains on the treatment table, but Town do welcome back replacement stopper Neil Gallagher for the game at Richmond Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Ryan Casey is also out for Aaron Callaghan's men as he works on his return from a leg complaint.

Next Fixture

Waterford / April 19th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shelbourne	10	21
Derry City	10	16
Shamrock Rovers	9	15
St Patrick's Athletic	10	14
Bohemian FC	9	13
Sligo Rovers	9	12
Waterford FC	10	12
Galway United FC	9	11
Drogheda United	9	8
Dundalk	9	4