Pat’s wait on Byrne for derby clash with Hoops
Byrne anchored the team impressively in midfield alongside Paul Osam against Cork City at Turner’s Cross after his transfer from Shelbourne.
Collins will look to this pair, together with powerful centre-backs Colm Foley and Darragh Maguire, to provide the base upon which St. Pat’s will build their season. Few other teams are as well served in these areas.
Byrne is suffering from a knock on the knee but an x-ray is expected to confirm that it is nothing serious. While Collins is likely to make changes in other areas of the team, he would like to see his central quartet remain to quickly develop an understanding.
Collins showed by his substitutions against Cork that he has a very versatile and numerically strong squad. He particularly has several attractive options up front, a luxury relatively few other managers enjoy. Two former Irish youth internationals saw some action in the second half - Liam George and David Freeman.
Collins went with the powerful Jamie Harris at centre-forward against Cork because he expected - and got - a tough match physically. He may well look for a different type partner for the dangerous Mbabazi Livingstone as Pat’s aim to open their winning
account at home. He may well turn to Welsh striker Tony Bird, who is available again after a one-match ban.
“That was a good point we collected away from home against Cork in my first game in charge,” said Collins. “Not many teams will take a point from there. Now we have to build on that result against Rovers.”
Shamrock Rovers must have been disappointed only to draw their opening game with Drogheda United, particularly as they went into the game with a much more settled team .
Happily for manager Liam Buckley he will have two experienced players returning after suspension in midfielder James Keddy and central defender Stephen McGuinness. But failing to score at Richmond Park was a disappointment.
It is difficult to see where Rovers are going to find a goal against a vigorous St. Pat’s defence after they failed to breach the Drogheda rearguard. They will be keeping fingers crossed that Tony Grant, who suffered a hamstring injury against Drogheda, will come through a late fitness test.
Manager Liam Buckley takes heart from the return of Keddy and McGuinness. “They are key players so it is nice to have them back. We will be going all out for the three points in what should be a close affair,” he said.
Waterford United received early confirmation that life in the Premier Division will be demanding when opened up against a slick and effective Shelbourne. And the pressure will be just as severe tonight when they play Drogheda United at O2 Park (8.00).
A 4-0 home defeat was pretty severe but Blues manager Jimmy McGeough will be encouraged by the return from suspension of talented skipper and left-back John Frost.
McGeough can also strengthen the team by bringing in former Cobh Ramblers midfielder Mark Clifford who also had to serve a carry-over suspension. What is certain, however, is that they will need to defend sternly against Drogheda’s new-look side.
“It’s a huge step up for the youngsters in my team but we have to match the standards of the Premier Division. It’s a learning experience and we have to learn fast.” said McGeough.
Drogheda boss Harry McCue knows that a good start is essential if they are not again to be involved in a battle against relegation. The draw against Rovers was exactly the start he needed.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
