Saints ready for Europa League test

DUE to the short notice from the time of the draw and awkward travel logistics preventing them getting up here to see their opponents in the flesh, St Patrick’s manager Pete Mahon has had to take a leaf out of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni’s scouting manual and do his homework on IBV Vestmannaeyjar of Iceland via DVD.

Pat’s last training session in Dublin prior to Tuesday’s departure was centred on just how IBV, who they play in the Europa League tonight (kick-off 7pm), might play. A scouring of a single DVD of a recent game after their arrival proved Mahon was spot on.

“Preparation has gone well,” Mahon said yesterday at the team hotel, across the road from the match stadium.