Waterford boss Keith Long: 'Ronan Coughlan is a Premier Division striker'

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Waterford boss Keith Long has stressed that in-form striker Ronan Coughlan is a ‘Premier Division striker' amid his impressive run so far this season.

Coughlan, 26, has scored nine goals in his last three games for the Blues and has helped propel them to six wins on the spin under new boss Long.

He also has netted 14 goals for the season inside seven games at the RSC.

“Ronan is a Premier Division striker,” Long said. “He is playing in our team and we are lucky to have him.

“He’s getting goals for us and he took his two goals on Friday night expertly.

“There was some good build-up play for the goals and there was a great cross into the box from Ryan Burke for the second. Roland Idowu had an impact too with an assist.

“But it is going to take a group and squad of players to achieve.”

While Long has yet to drop points as Waterford boss during his tenure, he has already identified areas where he would like to bolster his squad during the summer window.

And despite the issue of being currently in the First Division, the former Bohs manager is hopeful that his new club can attract experienced professionals to their first-team squad.

“I think the balance of the squad can be better and I think we need to improve that,” he added.



“We have lots of similar type players – they are very young and we need to look at that by bringing more experienced lads in.

“That's the aim and let’s see what happens. It is easier said than done to get the right players in and attracting players to the First Division can be a challenge.

“But at the same time it is about the full package and hopefully we can get a player or two in with a bit of experience and pedigree.”

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