Athlone fans celebrating last season's First Division title win. They should be in full voice tonight as the Town take on Shamrock Rovers.

TEAM NEWS: Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers

Published: Fri 14 Mar 2014, 10:37 AM

Last updated: Fri 14 Mar 2014, 10:38 AM

ATHLONE Town appear to have a clean bill of health ahead of their eagerly awaited first home game in the League of Ireland Premier Division tonight (Friday, Lissywollen, 7.45pm).

Shamrock Rovers, the 17-times league champions, are the visitors for what should be a well attended game in the Athlone Town Stadium.

Barry Clancy and Derek Prendergast missed Athlone’s opening league game - a 2-1 loss at Sligo Rovers - through suspension but are back available tonight. At time of writing, manager Mick Cooke (a former Shamrock Rovers player and assistant manager) was reporting no injury concerns.

Shamrock Rovers, who drew their opening league fixture against Derry City, will be missing defender David O’Connor, who was injured in last Sunday’s season opener. Former Leeds Utd, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Stephen McPhail is expected to be in the Rovers squad but was only a substitute last weekend due to an ongoing ijury complaint. McPhail, though, could be considered to start against Athlone, as might fellow midfielder Ronan Finn (also a used substitute against Derry). Kieran Marty Waters, signed from Bray Wanderers, is also a slight injury doubt for Rovers.

Tickets for the game against Shamrock Rovers are on sale at the Athlone Town stadium on the night. Ticket prices are adult €15, student/oap €10, Child (under 15) €5. Patrons are advised to arrive as early as possible to the ground, as the biggest crowd for a league fixture at the Athlone venue is expected.