GALWAY United host Cork City in Terryland Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) in their final league game of the season knowing that their Premier Division survival is in their own hands.
 

A win will definitely see United safe from the relegation play-off spots, but a draw or even a defeat will be good enough as long as they match the result of either Sligo Rovers, who are at home to Drogheda United, or St Patrick’s Athletic, who host Shamrock Rovers.
 

Bray Wanderers have been relegated following their defeat to Derry City at the weekend, while Drogheda United will be in the play-off spots as a result of their defeat to St Pats. One of either United, Sligo or St Pats will join them, but United hold a one point advantage over both of those sides, meaning they are not relying on results elsewhere to secure their safety, although a draw or defeat means it may come to that.
 

“Cork will be desperate for points so it won’t be easy, but we can’t rely on anyone else. Pats are at home to Shamrock Rovers and they’ll be fighting for their lives, Sligo Rovers are the same. I genuinely don’t know what will be enough against Cork, but we’ll be desperately trying to win the game,” said United manager Ian Foster.
 

The team boss has a major problem in defence for the visit of Cork City as both first choice central defenders, Shane Guthrie and Garry Breen, are suspended. Throw in the fact Mark O’Toole is out injured while Iarflaith Davoren is struggling with a hamstring strain, then his options in defence are seriously restricted.
 

Sean Kelly is likely to fill one of the central defensive positions against his former club, while full-back Seamus Conneely played for the Irish U-21 in the centre of defence against Switzerland two weeks ago, so he could also provide emergency cover, and if Davoren passes a fitness test, then he and Paul Sinnott are likely to fill the full-back slots.
 

Foster is also sweating over the fitness of John Russell, who continues to be troubled by a ankle problem, and the club is awaiting the report of the surgeon to see how bad the damage is, and if Russell needs further surgery, and his chances of featuring tonight are slim.
 

At 28, Alan Murphy is now one of the veterans of the United squad, and he said that while the loss of Breen and Guthrie was a blow, he had no doubt the players who are brought into the side will do the job that is required of them.
 

“We are a bit of a depleted squad at the moment with suspensions and injuries, but we’ve got good character and whoever takes to the pitch will do a good job. We are a blend of youth and experience, and the way the economy is, that is what we have to do, we have to bring young players through.
 

“Look at Seamus Conneely, he is in his second full year and is now in the Irish U-21 squad. Paul Sinnott is another young lad and I thought he was great against Shamrock Rovers, he is a true professional, he is always available to play and will do a job for you, he is a great pro.
 

“Aaron Greene is another young lad, he took his goal brilliantly against Rovers but I would say he worked even harder after that goal in his defensive play. It is exciting to have such good young players, but with that comes inexperience. We have a good, young squad here, but with the economy the way it is, it will be hard to hold on to all the players for next season” he said.
 

He insists that nerves are not a factor ahead of the season- defining game, pointing out that instead the players have been relishing the challenge of the last few weeks. “It is exciting to play in these kind of games, we know we are in a dogfight like last season, but we enjoyed those games last year and we are enjoying our football this year as well.
 

United have made an impassioned plea to the people of Galway to come out and support the side tonight, and considering more than 300 made the trip to Belfield for the last game of the season last year when United were in the same position, surely it is not asking for much to have at least a couple of thousand in Terryland this evening. 
 

“If we can’t get a big crowd out for a game that the side needs to get something from, then shame on Galway to be honest,” said Murphy. “We’d love to get a big crowd out, and hopefully the public will get behind us,” he said. 

It certainly won’t be easy against Paul Doolin’s Cork City on Friday night, as they are in search of points themselves to guarantee European qualification, though there are serious question marks over their being allowed play in Europe next season due to the financial mess the club is in.