O’Connor optimistic ahead of Bohs clash

Michael O’Connor will take to the dugout in Saint Mel's Park for the first time in 10 years on Friday night, as he takes charge of his Athlone Town team against Bohemians.

“I'm looking forward to my first game back in Mel's,” he told athlonetownfc.com. “I'm gone from standing on the terraces to managing my home town team, so I'm very proud to be honest.”

The Town boss is also looking forward to seeing his three Hungarian trialists in a match situation, after they have impressed in training.

“Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing them in action,” he said. “It just depends whether they can take the pace of the League of Ireland or not. But they look as if they will.”

“They're full time players, and they look as if they can play. I'm hopeful that Athlone can get something out of it. This is not just a personal thing with me. This will be great for the club if we can get something out of it.”

The manager has an almost full squad to choose from, with only midfielder Colin Fortune standing on the sidelines after picking up a slight knock against Longford.

Kick-off in Saint Mel's Park on Friday night is at 7:30pm.