News: Jason McAteer has set Ireland's friendly against as yet unnamed opposition in February as his target for an international comeback after missing out on more than a year of competitive football due to a string of injuries.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who is due to play for Sunderland's reserves tonight against Manchester United, dismissed speculation he might retire from international football and insisted he is determined to return in the New Year.

"I keep an eye on how Ireland do all the time and there is a fair while now until the next game in February," he said. "At this moment in time, I'm still taking everything one day at a time, but, if everything goes to plan and I'm playing in February, then I'd like to be considered for the game."

Longford Town travel to Inchicore this evening for their sixth meeting of the season with St Patrick's Athletic and the Dubliners need a victory in this game if they are to keep alive hopes of European football next year.

St Patrick's lie four points behind Cork City with a game in hand and if Eamonn Collins' side can beat the visitors then the southerners will have to win against Drogheda on Sunday to be sure of third place and the InterToto Cup slot that goes with it.

TV3 has confirmed that in the wake of Shelbourne having wrapped up the league title the station will now broadcast Sunday's match between Waterford United and Derry City. Derry must win the game, which will kick-off at 3.15 p.m., if the club is to be certain of remaining above UCD in the table and avoiding automatic relegation.

UCD play Longford Town at Belfield, also at 3.15 p.m.