O'Neill to field a weakened Rovers side
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Shamrock Rover’s manager Michael O’Neill’s pre-match admission that he will be fielding a weakened team in Friday night’s trip to face St.Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park will be music to the ears of anyone of a Pat’s persuasion as the Saint’s seek a positive result which could see them avoid the dreaded relegation play-offs.
When questioned as to whether he had a full squad at his disposal O’Neill revealed: “Aside from Ian (Bermingham), everyone else is available – but that doesn’t mean they’ll play.”
Adding: “For example, we’ve four players who are a yellow card away from receiving suspensions, so I’ll give them a rest. I’m also going to rest some key players.”
A declaration that would have had both Galway United manager Ian Foster and Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook more than a little concerned was diluted somewhat by O’Neill’s assertion that his players will be going out to the win the game and end their momentous season on a positive note.
“We’re going there to win the game and finish the season on a high. We’ve a very good record in Dublin derbies to maintain as well. We’ve won five, drawn one and lost one.”
“We’ve played Saint Pat’s four times so far – three times in the league and once in the EA Sports Cup – and won them all, so obviously we’d like to keep that run going.”
With Pat’s, Sligo and Galway all hoping the other will do their own relegation fears a favour perhaps the biggest favour of all could come from a most unlikely source in the shape of the Saint’s capital city rivals.
When questioned as to whether he had a full squad at his disposal O’Neill revealed: “Aside from Ian (Bermingham), everyone else is available – but that doesn’t mean they’ll play.”
Adding: “For example, we’ve four players who are a yellow card away from receiving suspensions, so I’ll give them a rest. I’m also going to rest some key players.”
A declaration that would have had both Galway United manager Ian Foster and Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook more than a little concerned was diluted somewhat by O’Neill’s assertion that his players will be going out to the win the game and end their momentous season on a positive note.
“We’re going there to win the game and finish the season on a high. We’ve a very good record in Dublin derbies to maintain as well. We’ve won five, drawn one and lost one.”
“We’ve played Saint Pat’s four times so far – three times in the league and once in the EA Sports Cup – and won them all, so obviously we’d like to keep that run going.”
With Pat’s, Sligo and Galway all hoping the other will do their own relegation fears a favour perhaps the biggest favour of all could come from a most unlikely source in the shape of the Saint’s capital city rivals.
About Eoin Manning
Eoin Manning has been a part of the extratime.ie reporting team since 2009 and covers the Dublin clubs. Eoin also writes for many of the countries national newspapers and can be contacted at eoinpmanning@gmail.com View Full Profile