Keegan hoping that Dundalk's international players return ready for action against Shamrock Rovers

Dundalk’s Latvian full-back Raivis Jurkovskis will be assessed by the club before being given the green light on whether he will be able to play against Shamrock Rovers on Friday night.

The new arrival at Oriel Park played every minute of Latvia’s opening three World Cup Qualifiers against Montenegro, the Netherlands and Turkey. Deployed at left-back in contrast to Dundalk’s usual spot for Jurkovskis at right-back, the marauding full-back assisted Latvia’s first goal on Tuesday night away to Turkey on their way to picking up an impressive away point.

Dundalk manager Shane Keegan has been keeping a keen eye on the exploits of his international players, hoping they would come back in one piece.

“Raivis arrived back this morning (Wednesday), he's had three 90 minutes in seven days and such is his style of play I'd say he's done about 13k a game I'd imagine. So there'll have to be a fair assessment done to see how he is, but he is a machine so there's every chance with him.

“The fact he'll only have one session with the group as well is something that will need to be factored in in terms of the decision making. Any normal player you'd probably rule them out, but he is a machine, so I think he'll stand a good chance,” said Keegan. 

Dundalk will already be without their other full international for Friday’s trip to Tallaght as Sonni Nattestad is ruled out with a suspension picked up in the opening President's Cup match.

Keegan marvelled at the exploits of Jurkovskis and was impressed about how he performed over the international window.

“Did you see him last night? Oh my god. He was incredible. We were just joking below saying every single time the ball went out to the winger, he took off on an overlap or an inside lap run that was about 100 metres in length each time and you're screaming at him 'No, put on the brakes please, stop stop, stop' but he was brilliant and his assist for their goal was outstanding, absolutely outstanding and they're using him at left back, they used him at left back all three games actually,” said Keegan. 

Whether the Lilywhites decide to deploy a 3-4-3 or a 4-3-3, their use of their full backs is pivotal. Cameron Dummigan has shown already that he can master playing both sides and now so has Jurkovskis which can only benefit the Dundalk team selection.

Darragh Leahy will remain as a specialist left full-back but as also shown he could play on the left of three centre-backs, which he could possibly do on Friday due to Nattestad’s unavailability.

Today, players and their physical output is measured using highly sofisticaed technology. GPS systems and player trackers are used to give valuable real time information and have proven to prevent injuries and lethargy. The Dundalk coaching team are open to working with their Latvian counterparts on deciding whether Jurkovskis will play or not, however it is hoped that the Latvian will be ready. 

“There’s been a bit more communication with the Faroe Islands in terms of Sonni and the shape he was in. With Raivis you almost take it for granted, he will be fine, there’s no need to check up on him, that everything will be grand. I would imagine Latvia would be reasonably open to sharing that info,” continued Keegan. 

“He (Jurkovskis) must be one of the most low-maintenance footballers I’ve ever encountered.  He just comes in every day, doesn’t really open his mouth all day long, just gets on with his work and any question you ask him always has a one-word answer and it’s always positive. He’s about as low maintenance as you could as for, he’s a dream in that sense,” added Keegan. 

Suspension List - Week Three https://t.co/2a7wpjpUa5pic.twitter.com/OrfzIZzXmi

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) March 31, 2021