Finn Harps finally hope to get their League of Ireland First Division season started against Shelbourne tomorrow night (kick-off 8.00). Its’ been a difficult couple of weeks for the club but manager Ollie Horgan says that is all behind them now and the sole focus is on delivering a performance that can yield three points.
That won’t be easy against a Shelbourne side that has already tasted defeat against UCD in their league opener a fortnight ago. “We have to be up for this game and hopefully the lads will be after all the frustration of our first three matches being postponed. While Shelbourne lost their first game against UCD, they do at least have an advantage of playing a competitive league game. They won’t be coming to Finn Park to settle for a draw. We will have to disciplined and patient because Shels will punish mistakes with the quality they have. They have a good balance of experience and youth in their panel. Derek Prendergast, Dave Mulcahy and David O’Sullivan have all played in the Premier Division. Shelbourne will be strong and I think they will be a position to push for promotion. There’s been a lot of changes to our squad so this is a big game for the new players that have come to us.”
Horgan is also urging football supporters from across Donegal to come out and get behind the team for their first league game of the season. “We need the backing of the fans. A lot of work has been put in by everyone to get to this point so it’s important now that the players get the backing of supporters against Shelbourne and hopefully they can put in a shift that will get us the right start to the season” Horgan said.
The Harps boss has injury concerns over three of his most experienced players skipper Ciaran Coll (ankle) and the midfield pair of Paddy McCourt (groin) and Gareth Harkin (knee). “The three lads are all doubtful but we’ll see what kind of shape they are in nearer kick-off time” Horgan concluded.
Injured: Eric Whelan (groin)
Doubtful: Ciaran Cool (ankle), Paddy McCourt (groin), Gareth Harkin (knee)
Suspended: None
