Dundalk ready for biggest night in club's history

It's the eve before the biggest game in their history and Dundalk were represented by manager Stephen Kenny and captain Stephen O'Donnell this afternoon at the Aviva Stadium, as they spoke with the press in the build-up to tomorrow evening's Champions League play-off first leg match with Legia Warsaw.

There is a lot of money at stake for this tie. The winners of the play-off will receive a guaranteed €14million from just making it through to the Champions League group stages (€2 million for winning the play-off round and a guaranteed €12million for group stage participation), while the loser will have to settle for the Europa League group stages and €5.4 million (€3 million awarded for losing the tie and a guaranteed €2.4 million for group stage participation).

Stephen Kenny expectedly touched on the most important news firstly, as he revealed which of his recent injured players are able to take part in the game tomorrow. Brian Gartland broke his wrist during the second qualifying round against FH Hafnarfjörður and hasn't featured since, while Ronan Finn and Patrick McEleney have struggled with groin injuries since the 3-0 victory over BATE Borisov. Finn hasn't featured since then, while McEleney came off suffering from his groin strain in the second half against Galway United.

“Preparations have gone quite well. Brian Gartland has been declared fit to play with a cast.

We're waiting on Ronan Finn and Patrick McEleney. They've got groin issues. We're hopeful that both can be ready.

“I think it's that type of game that everyone wants to play. It's most likely we'll have everybody, but it's up to me to decide where they're at in terms of match fitness and how they can impact the game.”

Therefore, Brian Gartland is fit and ready to take up the centre half position alongside Andy Boyle, while it looks as though Stephen Kenny will take the risk to involve both Ronan Finn and Patrick McEleney tomorrow evening. Both players are of course vitally important for Dundalk's chances of going further in the competition and so it doesn't come as a surprise that Kenny will include them in his match day plans.

Speaking about the opposition, Kenny joked about having to 'cram' in as much video analysis work as was possible since the draw has been made. There's only been 10 days since the draw but in that period, Dundalk seemed to have done their homework and not just done a load of cramming.

“We've seen all their games. They've haven't played too many. They're a formidable team. They were a force two seasons ago. They'll be tough opposition and formidable opponents. We're not naive to suggest they won't be tough.

“They don't have one set way of playing. My players are familiar with how they set up. We know Legia have good players and we respect it. We don't suffer from an inferiority complex so we'll be concentrating on our own strengths.

“We have shown we are a good team and have good qualities. We have shown the ability to come back from behind in games. That's why we have been (back-to-back) league champions.”

O'Donnell echoed his manager's words on the prospect of playing a team of Legia Warsaw's quality, firstly describing that there hasn't been any change in preparation ahead of this game. He also explained how the Dundalk players are all well capable of dealing with big European nights alluding to past experiences.

“There's no point in changing the preparation. You cannot change the routine. It's been successful over the past few years, so why change it. Basically after the Bray game we turned all our attentions to this game. We've had plenty of preparation and good training so we'll be ready tomorrow.

“They're a quality team and they've a few internationals. They're a good unit and a strong, tall team. They're a well oiled unit.

“The BATE (and previous) experiences have been hugely important. All the lads involved tomorrow have been involved in big European nights. Everyone is coming into this on a high. Football wise we are going into this full of confidence.”

Stephen Kenny and Stephen O'Donnell showed no signs of nerves whatsoever in anticipation of what is a huge game for the club. With over 24,000 tickets sold Kenny highlighted how this game affects not just the Dundalk FC faithful, nor the League of Ireland, but anyone who loves football in Ireland, from grassroots level up.

“If we progress it would give hope to every club in Ireland and every small club in Europe. It's not just the League of Ireland we're representing, it's also grassroots football. We've got buses coming from villages across the country. Galway, Mayo, Meath, Dundalk and Derry. The four provinces of Ireland are represented. People at grassroots level are affected by the result. There's a lot of goodwill. It has ramifications for people who love the game.”

Stephen Kenny also spoke of his pride to be involved in such a monumental tie for Irish football, paying tribute to the players and staff behind the scenes with whom he has worked with for the past three and a half years.

“It's great to be involved with this group of players and staff and to be involved at this stage of the competition. It's a highlight and it's a great privilege to manage the team and I don't take that for granted.”

Goal-line technology has been installed at the Aviva ahead of tomorrow evening's game and it will be the first time it has ever been used in Ireland at any level of football. There is certainly an aura of this being an official Champions League tie at the Aviva Stadium, and with just over 24 hours until kick-off it's certain that atmosphere will continue to grow. In what is a landmark moment for Irish football, there are still plenty of tickets on sale, ranging from €10 - €30 and Stephen Kenny hopes the fans can play their part in helping Dundalk achieve something extraordinary.

“We want all fans to lift the players and get behind the team.”