Battered Bohs bid to bounce back

Aaron Callaghan wants his Bohemians players to manage their anger and right the wrongs of Iceland when UCD visit Dalymount Park tomorrow afternoon.

The game can’t come quickly enough for Bohemians following their nightmare exit from the Europa League in Thursday’s 5-1 defeat by Thór Akureyri.

“We are a wounded animal now,” said manager Callaghan. “We hope the lads take stock of what happened on Thursday night and put a bit of anger into the performance. They have a point to prove to themselves.”

As he did last weekend in Cork, Callaghan is set to make changes to his starting 11. Midfielder Dave Mulcahy (hip) and striker Dinny Corcoran (shoulder) are still out injured.

UCD remain without injured quartet Ger Barron, Sean Russell, Chris Mulhall and topscorer Graham Rusk, but recently re-signed striker David McMillan is set to feature.

Not having played in a fortnight themselves, as they were idle last week due to Monaghan United’s withdrawal from the league, Drogheda United will hope that St. Patrick’s Athletic may be feeling the effects of their extra-time exertions in Iceland on Thursday when they travel to Richmond Park.

A fourth successive win would see in-form Drogheda leapfrog St. Pat’s into second place. Manager Mick Cooke reports no injury worries but is without full-back Stephen Quigley and midfielder Eric Foley, who are suspended.

Though still hampered by a hip flexor problem, Christy Fagan hopes to be fit enough to lead St. Patrick’s attack. Midfielder John Russell is suspended, however, while striker Dean Kelly is a doubt with a groin strain.

Tomorrow’s fixtures (3pm):

Premier Division: Bohemians v UCD, St. Patrick’s Athletic v Drogheda United.