Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan has some injury headaches ahead of this evening’s rearranged First Division game against Drogheda United at United Park (7.45pm).
The fixture had been due to be the season opener for both sides, but the referee postponed the game at the last minute due to inadequate lighting at the County Louth venue.
Harps, on the back of wins over Cobh Ramblers (2-0) and Wexford FC (1-0) on the last two weekends, head for Drogheda in decent form, although Horgan may have to reshuffle his pack.
Gareth Harkin, BJ Banda and Liam Walsh are definitely out of contention, while Sam Todd is a doubt after picking up a head injury during Friday’s win over Wexford.
Paddy McCourt has been upgraded to ‘doubtful’ having missed Friday’s game and Eric Whelan is nearing full fitness again.
“We were glad to get the victory but the team will have to improve hugely to get even a draw against Drogheda,” Horgan said.
“They showed their pedigree by being able to come back from two goals down to get a draw against a very good Galway side on Friday night.”
Drogheda grabbed a dramatic point against Galway, despite Colm Deasy’s red card. Deasy and Lee Duffy are suspended this evening and Sean Brennan is sidelined through an injury.
“Ollie has put together a really strong squad who are capable of beating any side in the First Division but I have complete faith that we’ll give them a real game,” Drogheda manager Tim Clancy said.
“I think the way we came back against Galway should give us a lot of belief not only for Monday but for the rest of the season.
“I asked the lads for a reaction at half-time and we were brilliant in the second-half. We didn’t let Galway settle on the ball and once we pulled a goal back, I could feel the equaliser coming. It gives us great momentum going into tomorrow’s game.”