Fresh faces for Students

UCD open their Airtricity League campaign with a trip to Hunky Dorys Park to face Drogheda United (kick-off 7.45pm).

UCD will be hoping to start the season with a victory, however, manager Martin Russell has lost several key players since the end of last season and will be hoping to unleash some new talent on the league.

College should be better prepared for this league opener having played two competitive games in the Setanta Sports Cup.

Sean Harding should be fit to start after recovering from a shoulder strain but midfielder Robbie Benson is not match fit.

Spanish defender Yael Haro and midfielder Dean Marshall could be in line to make their league debut for the Belfield outfit.

United manager Mick Cooke will be boosted by the news that goalkeeper Robert Duggan and last season’s captain Alan McNally have re-signed for the new season.

Former Galway United midfielder John Lester has also signed for the 2011 campaign.

Cooke said: “Obviously it is an important game for the club, but it needs to be remembered that it’s only one of 36 games.

“UCD have a fair few games under their belts, with cup competitions and the Setanta Cup so they will be a little more match fit than us.

“I came in late to the team but I feel that we have a very competitive squad and we will put it up to them.”