Sunday Mirror: Football: WE MUST AL STAY FOCUSED

MIDFIELD maestro Alan Cawley knows UCD cannot afford to take their eye off the ball as they attempt to avoid automatic relegation from the Premier Division of the eircom League.

The 21-year-old: "Obviously, it's no longer in our own hands," acknowledged the 21-year-old Sligo-born star ahead of todays game of relegation roulette with Longford.

"But Derry still have to win in Waterford to be safe. Knowing that they have to win - and playing in front of the TV cameras - will bring pressures of its own.

"But we mustn't get sidetracked by events in Waterford.

"We must concentrate on our own job because if we don't beat Longford we're down, end of story.

"A bit of luck on the day would also be nice."

Cawley returns from a ban as does skipper Tony McDonnell and fellow midfielder Mick O'Donnell. Ironically, UCD are the form team in the Premier Division with a seven game unbeaten run but Cawley knows that that could count for nothing at the end of the day.

He added: "Longford are pushing to finish as high as they can - they can nick third spot from Cork if they beat us - so they see this game as having something at stake for them. They're on a good run, as their win at St Patis on Thursday proved.

"So, I expect them to come with all guns blazing. It won't be easy for us but it's down to ourselves."

In the First Division, Limerick will claim the last play-off spot if they avoid defeat against Kildare County at Pike Rovers ground today.

PREMIER DIV FIXTURES (3.15pm unless stated)

Today: Bohs v St Pats, Cork v Drogheda, UCD v Longford, Waterford v Derry.

Wed - Play-off semi-final 1st leg: 9th Prem Div v 4th First Div, 2nd First Div v 3rd First Div).

Sat - 2nd legs.