Tickets remain on sale for Friday’s 8pm kickoff in Tallaght Stadium

We take a 3-1 lead to Albania next week in our UEFA Europa League 3rd qualifying round tie with KF Egnatia. Just how good a performance was it in Tallaght on Tuesday?

“We were brilliant, really excellent. When you come off the pitch from a European game, a game where you have a chance to make group stage football, and you’re slightly frustrated we haven’t scored more than three goals, that shows where the group is and how far they’ve come and the level they’re playing at. Although on the night it’s a bit frustrating, it’s such a positive when you look back that we’re still a bit frustrated it’s only 3-1 against a really good side.”

Apart from scoring three and not converting at least three more, you had pinpointed their own scoring ability beforehand. For Egnatia to score a penalty rebound and only have arguably one more notable chance in the first half, were you happy with our defensive performance too?

“I was really happy. I thought Enda Stevens, Pico Lopes and Tunmise Sobowale were excellent. As a group we were good but you just have to look at Egnatia’s record; last year and this season already, against Celje in their previous round, they score goals. So for us to limit them was really pleasing.”

Is it maybe a positive thing to go into the Dundalk game knowing the European tie is now parked until next week and all focus is on this league game?

“Yes, exactly. The fact that it’s nearly a week away and not a quick turnaround to Tuesday, definitely helps. All focus is definitely on Dundalk tomorrow as it’s the last game before the last series of league games. We know this is where our season really comes to life. Tuesday is done, it’s now full focus on Dundalk.”

So to Dundalk. They’ve taken four points from us so far, what is that has seen them maintain their European challenge all season after promotion last season?

“They’re a very honest and hardworking group. Ciarán Kilduff and his staff have done an excellent job, have them really well organised and obviously they have quality. They’ve lost some big players recently but how they’ve regrouped has been brilliant. So the fact they’re pushing for Europe in their first season back up is a brilliant achievement. They beat us in our last meeting in Oriel Park, got a draw in Tallaght earlier this season so we’re under no illusions that tomorrow is a tough game.”

How did everyone emerge from Tuesday’s game, Pico Lopes is suspended and are all the current players on the injury list still so?

“Unfortunately Naj Razi broke his jaw against Egnatia. As soon as he came on, he got an elbow which fractured it, so Naj will be out for a number of weeks, depending on how it heals. He’s a tough kid, he played on for about a half an hour after it happened. Adam Brennan took a knock but he’s ok, everyone else came through Tuesday fine. We’re hoping Dan Cleary and Danny Grant will hopefully be coming back next week.”