League Preview: Waterford -v- Finn Harps

WATERFORD

Keith Long will begin his reign as Waterford boss on Friday night when the Blues host Finn Harps at the RSC (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Waterford have endured a mixed start to the season and that has seen the departure of former manager Danny Searle.

But the club have moved quickly to appoint his successor, with Long joining the club in an attempt to steer them towards promotion.

And ahead of his first game in charge the Dubliner said: ““I want to try get off to a winning start.

“I’ve come in the day before the first match but I’ve been able to rely on Brian (Murphy), Gary (Hunt) and David (Breen) and their knowledge of the players.

“I’ll be looking for a really good performance tomorrow night; if we do that we give ourselves a really good chance.

“We want to try put a sequence of good results together starting on Friday.”

Matthew Connor is ruled out via injury.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps visit the RSC for the first time this season as they hunt down just their second win of the campaign.

Harps were denied a win at home to Cobh Ramblers last weekend at Finn Park despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first-half.

And they also lost defender Sean O’Donnell to a red card last weekend against the Rams.

But they will be hoping that they can trouble the Blues at the RSC in their first game under new management.

In terms of team news for the Co. Donegal men, O’Donnell is suspended while experienced defender Keith Cowan is a doubt.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

PREDICTION

Waterford 2 - 0 Finn Harps

Waterford

Injured: Matthew Connor.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: Keith Cowan.

Suspended: Sean O’Donnell.