Finn Harps will look to close the gap on fellow relegation candidates UCD to three points when the sides meet in Ballybofey tonight.

Harps appeared doomed to relegation before last week, but a lot can change in football in the space of seven days.

Two draws against Sligo and Cork have brought renewed optimism, while UCD have been going through a bad run of form themselves.

Ollie Horgan’s team have yet to win a game this year, but if they could finally pick up that elusive victory on Friday, they would be right back on the coattails of the Students.

“Yeah it would be back to three but we haven’t won home or away against UCD in a long time,” said Horgan.

“In saying that we hadn’t picked up a point against Cork or Dundalk before this year and we have done that now.

“I remember last year when we played UCD before the break, and people asked me if it was a must-win game.

“We ended up losing and UCD went ten points ahead of us. But we only ended up three points behind them by the time the season was finished.

“It’s hard to know but there is still a long way to go.”

Horgan was keeping his cards close to his chest on Wednesday when asked if he had injury concerns, although he did confirm that there were a couple of knocks picked up on Monday night in Cork.

Harps have no game next week, as their match with Shamrock Rovers was brought forward because of the Under 17 European Championships.

That would provide some time to recover following a hectic schedule since the start of the season.

Horgan said: “It’s alright saying that there’s a two week break and for the lads just to empty themselves.

“But it’s not quite as simple as that. If they’re not fit to play, they’re not fit to play.

“We have a couple of knocks arising from the Cork game, and we will just have to see how they are closer to the time.

“We still have our long-term injuries with Gareth Harkin and Mark Timlin, but we will have John Kavanagh and Colm Deasy back in.”