Mahon positive his disgruntled Saints will perform

AS if conceding a late second goal in the Ukraine wasn’t enough of a handicap, St Patrick’s Athletic face into tonight’s second leg Europa League game against Karpaty Lviv with the club rocked by a dispute over bonuses.

But despite the fact that the players have imposed a media blackout and are even said to be contemplating strike action, manager Pete Mahon is confident that the game — which, because of UEFA regulations takes place in Tallaght Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm) — will go ahead.

“I think I know the players better than anyone,” he said. “They’ve been very professional all along and I don’t see any reason why that would change now. I’m very disappointed that we find ourselves in this position but I’d be very surprised, I’d actually be shocked, if our players didn’t play.”

Mahon, who is sympathetic to the players’ claims, insisted that the team would not let the supporters down.

“The players will give it 100% — I’ve no doubt in my mind that that’s what will happen,” he said. “I’m sure there are fans out there that are worried — I’d say to them to park their worries until Friday, get behind the team and we’ll try to win the match.”

The dispute arises from the players’ dismay at the club’s failure to agree bonus payments and compensation for the part-time players over the course of what has already been a demanding European campaign. Talks to resolve the dispute will resume this morning but, if no agreement is reached, the team’s participation in the weekend’s scheduled Airtricity Premier League game against UCD could then come into question.

Meanwhile, the job on the pitch for Pat’s tonight, doubly difficult one would now have to assume, is to turn around a two-goal deficit at their temporary home from home in Tallaght.

“They are a very good side but they are by no means unbeatable,” said Mahon of Karpaty.

“We can’t afford to concede a goal though, because I really couldn’t see us scoring four.”

A boost for Pat’s is that Stephen Bradley and Daryl Kavanagh are both back, having missed the first leg through suspension, while Dave Mulcahy also comes into contention.

Mahon said: “We missed Bradley in particular out there because we struggled to hold on to the ball in the heat. Obviously we have Dave fully fit again but I’ll think about that because Ian Daly has done well when he’s come in.”