Conor McCarthy UCD AFC Media Officer with the low down tomorrow’s SSE Airtricity League, Premier Division game.
Match Preview: UCD AFC vs Waterford FC
Kick off: 7.45pm, Friday 26th July, UCD Bowl
Friday night sees us return to SSE Airtricity League Premier Division action, and the UCD Bowl, as Waterford FC are the visitors, with a 7.45pm kick off. Collie O’Neill’s side will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Shamrock Rovers, and he has been boosted by the additions of Liam Kerrigan and Sam Byrne ahead of Friday nights game.
‘It’s great to get the deals over the line. Liam is a player we have been looking to get in now for a number of weeks. He’s experienced at this level, having played a number of games for Sligo and we are delighted he has taken up the opportunity of a scholarship with us, and I’m sure that he will add a huge amount to the club over the coming months and years.’
Sam Byrne has completed his move to us from Bohemian FC, having played at the very top level both abroad and here in Ireland, having played with Manchester United, Everton, Dundalk and most recently Bohemian FC. Speaking after completing the transfer Collie is delighted to have secured his man, and knows that it will be a big boost to his squad.
Sam’s hungry to succeed and will add a huge amount to our squad. He has undoubted quality, has huge potential, and I’m confident that he will hit the ground running.’
We are hopeful that both players will receive the necessary clearance in time to be available for Friday nights game.
Last week’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers came on the back of a brilliant run of results for Collie O’Neills young side. With an average age of the starting line up of just 20.3 in recent weeks, they secured big wins at home against Finn Harps and Bohemian FC along with a valuable draw away to Derry City. Ahead of Friday’s game, Collie is looking for his side to bounce back from last weekends defeat, and knows they can take confidence from their recent results.
‘Obviously the Rovers game was disappointing, and the performance was unacceptable. However, in the previous few games before that I thought we were brilliant, so Friday is an important one for us as we look to bounce back and get the performance back into our game and to get back to winning ways.’
Collie O’Neill will be without Evan Osam who continues his recovery from a torn Achilles, however Evan is hopeful of returning before the end of the season as he continues on the road to recovery, but not timeline has yet been set for his return to action. He will also be without Josh Collins and Sean McDonald who continue their recoveries from injury.
Injured: Evan Osam, Josh Collins, Sean McDonald
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
ENDS
Conor McCarthy
Media Officer
UCD AFC
