Monaghan United will be confident of victory as they entertain Bray Wanderers at Gortakeegan on Friday night, kick-off 8.00pm.
Roddy Collins’ side enjoyed their first league victory of the season last weekend in their 2-1 defeat of Bohemians, and victory over Wanderers would see Monaghan move off the foot of the table.
Bray, however, are also coming into the game on the back of a great performance and result after holding champions Shamrock Rovers at the Carlisle Grounds last Friday night, so should also be confident of taking the points at Gortakeegan .
Monaghan defenders Alan Byrne and Aidan Collins have recovered from injury and should both feature.
Goalkeeper Chris Bennion is suspended so Michael Schlingermann should start in goal.
Keith Quinn is also ruled out through suspension, while Willo McDonagh returns to the squad after serving a ban.
United manager Collins said: “Bray Wanderers also had a good outing last weekend and have to be disappointed in not putting away Shamrock Rovers when they were so dominant in the game. I am expecting a good evening’s football.”
Wanderers continue without long-term injury victims Shane O'Connor (groin) and Stephen Brennan (hamstring).
Bray Director of Football Pat Devlin said: "It will be a different game in Monaghan. It's never easy against Monaghan and we can expect the same on Friday. We are looking forward to it."
