Saints face red hot challenge in Bosnia

Liam Buckley is as wary of the hot, humid conditions expected in Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight as he is of the threat of a veteran Brazilian, among technically adept domestic and Croatian players, within the Siroki Brijeg team as he completes his preparations for St Patrick’s Athletic’s task ahead at the Pecara Stadium.

While the bulk of their squad is made up of Bosnians, Siroki Brijeg have a strong contingent of Croatians and include 34-year-old Brazilian, Wagner, who scored eight goals from midfield last season.

“They’re a good side, they’ve either won or finished runners-up in their domestic league and cup for the past few years,” said Saints boss Buckley.

“We’ve seen a few DVDs of them from league games and from the cup final they played in last season, so we know it’ll be a tough game, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Neither Pat Flynn, who suffered concussion in Sunday’s loss to Drogheda United, or fellow defender Mark Rossiter, who has had knee surgery, have travelled. Striker Christy Fagan, who scored the winner in the home leg against Icelandic side IBV in the last round, is expected to be in contention to start, having recovered from a hip flexor injury.

Siroki Brijeg are out of season, but they have played several friendlies recently, with Buckley insisting their lack of match fitness won’t be a major advantage to St Patrick’s.

“Their last competitive game was at the end of May, they would’ve had a few weeks off and they’ve now been back around three weeks and had a few matches in the past couple of weeks. I don’t think they will have lost much fitness, so I don’t see it being an issue for them.

“The weather will be an issue, however, as the temperature is supposed to be 35 degrees during the day, and about 25 at night. So with the humidity, it’ll be tough for us.”

St Patrick’s Athletic (probable); Clarke; O’Brien, Kenna, Browne, Bermingham; Russell, Chambers, Bolger; Forrester, Fagan, O’Flynn.