Shelbourne will be hoping that 2010 will be a case of third time lucky. Having narrowly missed out on promotion for the past two seasons, the Reds are desperate to be successful this season.

A total of fourteen new players are in the Shelbourne squad for 2010, with the likes of Ian Ryan, Robbie Clarke and Paul Shiels all hoping to make their league debuts tonight.

“We’re quietly optimistic,” said manager Dermot Keely. “I feel that we have a side that, with a bit of luck, can go one better than the past two seasons and claim top position in the league.”

Monaghan travel to Tolka Park hoping to get off to a good start. Manager Mick Cooke has retained the services of the majority of his 2009 squad, with six new players added to the panel.