IARNROD Eireann have made a point of getting into the novelty business of late with their radio and, more recently, casino trains but they could go a long way towards improving the levels of customer satisfaction on the infamous Sligo line this weekend by laying on a hospital carriage or two to cater for St Patrick's Athletic's walking wounded.
Pat Dolan has yet to have a full squad to pick from since taking over at Richmond Park but matters are even worse than usual for this evening's trip to the north west with half of his first team fit for nothing more challenging than the climb to the stand.
Willie Burke has been unavailable for some time but the full back received a further blow this week as he tried to recover his fitness and he will now be out until the summer.
Packie Lynch has fared little better since switching to the Inchicore club with the centre half currently suffering from a combination of flu and a hamstring strain while Ricky O'Flaherty (hamstring), Eddie Gormley (ankle) and Paul Osam (Achilles tendon) are all well below their best Just now.
"It's a terrible pity because when we are at full strength I honestly believe we are more than a match for anybody and even without some of our better players lately we've been playing some pretty good stuff but this is very unsettling," said Pat Dolan yesterday.
"Packie and Ricky are definitely out and if this wasn't a cup match there is no way that Eddie or Paul would play but as it is I'll have to see what I'll do on the day."
The situation is far from ideal given the strength and recently improved form of the hosts this evening with the win over Bohemians last weekend boosting spirits around the Showgrounds. Padraig Moran missed that game through injury and is doubtful for this one but, if he doesn't play, manager Jimmy Mullen will have the option of sticking with the side that won last week.
In Derry, meanwhile, both managers will have a bit of juggling to do with injuries to strikers again the main focus of attention. Liam Coyle continues to struggle with an ankle problem but, with Gary Beckett not yet fully match fit again he may start against Home Farm although his namesake Ryan is likely to switch into the right full back's position in place of Richie Purdy.
Dermot Keely is without Karl Gannon while Joe Herron is cup tied and Liam Kelly's return after a four month absence appears certain to be delayed again. "We'll miss Karl," said Dermot Keely last night "but it'll be a big occasion for the lads with a big crowd and a great atmosphere so hopefully we can raise our game and surprise a few people."
Shelbourne have suffered what is, at least, a comparable blow with the probable loss of Greg Costello who picked up a knock in midweek training for the visit of Dundalk.
. English Premier League and Football League bosses have begun discussions into a nursery club system run on continental lines to safeguard the future of lower division clubs. Smaller clubs have had their revenue from transfer fees drastically reduced in the aftermath of the Bosman affair and have prompted Football League clubs to enter talks about a feeder system.
