UCD AFC Media Officer Conor McCarthy with transfer news, team news and International selection news before tonight’s game Thurs 27th June http://www.ucdsoccer.com/airtricity-league/premier-division/2075-preview-ucd-vs-st-patricks-ath
Preview: UCD vs St Patricks Ath
Kick-off: 7.45pm, UCD Bowl, Friday 28 June
Friday night sees the long awaiting return to SSE Airtricity League action after a long break due to a number of our games being postponed before the mid-season break due to international call ups. Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, Collie O’Neill is looking forward to his sides return to action and is hoping they can get back down to business starting on Friday night.
“The break was a good and positive thing with a number of our players, and players from across the league called up for the U21s matches. However, now that the break is over its time for us to settle down for the business end of the season. I’m sure we’ll still be a little short on match sharpness tonight, but for once we can’t complain of fatigue!”
Liam Scales and Conor Kearns were both called up to the Ireland under 21 squad before the break for the Toulon Tournament, acquitting themselves very well and helping Stephen Kenny’s under 21 side finish a very respectable 4th in the prestigious competition, achieving Ireland’s best ever finish in the tournament in the process. Sticking with International call ups we would also like to congratulate Gavin Sheridan on his call up to the Irish College’s and Universities League side for the upcoming World University Games in Italy over the coming weeks. Richie O’Farrell has been involved in the Ireland under 19s squad for their training camp ahead of the upcoming UEFA European Under 19 Championships in Armenia and will be hopeful of making the final squad but will be available for Friday’s game.
This week has also seen Gary O’Neill and Neil Farrugia sign for Shamrock Rovers after transfer deals were agreed during the mid-season break. We would like to thank both Gary and Neil for their hard work and dedication to the club over the last number of years, as they both played a huge part in last year’s First Division title success and our recent success at College’s and Universities League level. We would like to wish both players the very best of luck with Shamrock Rovers and their future careers and we look forward to welcoming them back to the UCD Bowl in mid-July when we host Shamrock Rovers.
Evan Osam will be missing for Friday night’s game, as he continues his recovery after rupturing his achillies on the eve of the season. Collie O’Neill will also have a number of other injuries to deal with as Josh Collins (groin), Jack Ryan (groin) and Dara Keane (ankle) have all been ruled out of Friday night’s game. Dan Tobin will also be suspended for the game after picking up five yellow cards.
Injured: Evan Osam (achilles), Josh Collins (groin), Jack Ryan (groin), Dara Keane (ankle)
International Duty: Gavin Sheridan (Irish Universities)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Dan Tobin
