Faherty to face former team-mates in season opener

St Patrick’s Athletic take on Galway United in their first Airtricity League game of the season at Richmond Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saints have a head start on most sides in terms of sharpness as they already played a tough game against Linfield in the Setanta Cup.

And the first game of the season sees Pat’s striker Vinny Faherty facing his former team-mates.

Faherty said: “I’m excited about playing Galway. I enjoyed my two and a half seasons there and I’ve still a lot of good friends there, the likes of Derek O’Brien, Cian McBrien and Seamus Conneely.

“The important thing for me is that Pat’s get three points from the game and while I’d love to get on the score-sheet it’s all about the team getting off to a winning start.”

A new look United side will be missing the suspended Bobby Ryan. New signing Stephen O'Donnell is expected to feature after a badly bruised eye meant he missed last Friday's friendly with Hull.

Alan Murphy remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation after knee surgery.