Colin Healy insists that Kerry FC must focus on themselves for FAI Cup quarter-final clash with Sligo Rovers

With Healy in charge there is quiet optimism in the camp as they prepare for the visit of Sligo Rovers for their FAI Cup quarterfinal clash at a sold-out Mounthawk Park on Friday night

Kerry FC manager Colin Healy. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Even before Colin Healy arrived at Mounthawk Park, Kerry FC had a decent record in cup competitions. They contested the Munster Senior Cup final last season, narrowly beaten 2-1 by Waterford Utd, while in August last year, they pushed Bohs all the way in the FAI Cup third round, eventually losing out 4-2 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in normal time.

Despite their lowly league position, the Kerry minnows have proven they can mix it with the best on their day. 

Healy's side put league leaders Dundalk to the test away from home in a riveting 3-3 draw two weeks ago. Again, last week the Kingdom club drew with second placed Cobh Ramblers 1-1 at home.

Now, with Colin Healy in charge, there is quiet optimism in the Kerry FC camp as they prepare for the visit of Sligo Rovers for their FAI Cup quarterfinal clash at a sold-out Mounthawk Park on Friday night. However, Healy says they will not be preparing differently for this game.

“We’ll train like we always do. Probably a small bit more detail in team meetings, with the opposition that we're playing. But other than that, it's just a normal week for us."

Ronan Teahan was worryingly hauled off in last Friday night’s draw with second placed Cobh Rambler after picking up a knock but the manager thinks he should be good to go.

A four game suspension for Daniel Okwute hasn’t helped Kerry’s cause in recent weeks but Healy is glad to have him back. 

“He got four games. It's not good for me, and it's not good for him either. He missed a lot of important games for us. He's available Friday night. He has been working hard when he's not part of the group. It's good to have him back in,” said the Corkman.

Owen Elding is Sligo's danger man. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Ahead of a sellout quarter final at Mounthawk Park, Healy will draw on all his experience at a higher level to keep his players grounded. 

“We just focus on ourselves. It's a game of football. It's a big game, I understand it. But yeah, we focus on ourselves. It's a normal week for us. As I said, we prepare like we did last week. Obviously it’s new opposition. A small bit more focus goes into the analysis. We’ll do that, but I'll keep the lads focused and they’ll be ready for Friday night.” 

From his playing days, Healy admitted that there is also excitement when it comes to the FAI Cup. 

“The Cup brings that excitement doesn't it? You've probably seen it two weeks ago with the Cobh game as well as that. It creates that bit of atmosphere. The place will be bouncing Friday night. The fans they've been brilliant. Get behind the team. Get behind everybody, and let's see if we can go win the game.”

Sligo Rovers starman Owen Elding - whom Juventus are reported to be interested in - will be a handful for Healy's men, and this is something he is well aware of. 

“Listen. He's a very, very good player. And it's great for the league. He's not the only good player that they have. We'll have a game plan. So will they. It'll be exciting. We are looking forward to it.

"That's what you want. You want to produce players within the league and, and he is a very good player,” added Healy.

So despite being even lower than Kerry in the First Division - sitting in 9th on 30 points - Healy insists that Sligo Rovers are in good form of late. 

“They brought in some good players in the window. And John [Russell] has done a really, really good job. They've kicked on again. They're in good form at the moment. And we're in good form as well. 

"It'll be an interesting game, our players are looking forward to it and they’ll be ready for it.”