LEAGUE OF IRELAND:HAVING SHOWN a dramatic improvement in recent weeks, Shamrock Rovers head to Dalymount Park this evening in the hope of maintaining the run and putting a bit of a dent in the title ambitions of their arch rivals Bohemians.

Rovers have taken 14 points from the last 18 compared to just four from their previous six games and their second-half performance at Inchicore a couple of weeks back suggested they can more than hold their own against better-placed sides when they really find their stride.

The goals scored by Pádraig Amond and Tadhg Purcell have been a big factor over the last month or so. But Purcell is a significant doubt for tonight's match because of an ankle problem while Aidan Price is definitely out and Danny O'Connor, Darragh Maguire and Corey Treacy all face late fitness tests.

Joseph Ndo has a knee injury and is unlikely to feature.

Pat Fenlon has problems of his own, particularly in defence, as he tries to settle on his starting line -up. All three of his most obvious choices for the centre-back positions - Jason McGuinness, Liam Burns and Ken Oman are injured.

And so the Hearys, Thomas and Owen, may be paired while Anto Murphy is a candidate for right back and Mark Rossiter could start on the left side of the back four.

Glen Crowe is available after suspension while John Paul Kelly is a strong contender for a start after making a big impact when he came on against Cobh.

The Lithuanian international Mindaugas Kalonas could also start for the first time, as Glenn Cronin is still out.

"We are down to the bare bones but it's up to the players on the park to put in a good performance regardless," says Fenlon whose side is looking to extent a run of 17 matches unbeaten in the league.