We played out a tense scoreless draw with Shelbourne last Friday to stand six points clear at the top with seven games remaining. Were you ok with the point having reviewed the game?
“I think I said on the night how I felt that it was a game that could’ve gone either way. We had chances and Shels did too. Ed makes a brilliant save and we’d a few half chances. I don’t think either team did enough to win the game so I think the draw was a fair result.”
It was our first clean sheet in eight games, that’s hopefully the beginning of a run of them at this business end of the season.
“It was important we got back to that. Other than Ed’s save, I thought we limited them to very little on the night”.
We return to Richmond Park a few weeks after our extra time FAI cup exit to St Patrick’s Athletic. Given the circumstances of that week (away in Albania), need we look too much into that cup game in preparation for this?
“You always have to look at it and try and understand it. We know what it was, the week around it and all of that. But it’s gone, you learn from it and move on quickly and whether we win, lose or draw, you have to learn from each experience and. We most certainly learned from the previous game against Pat’s.”
Pat’s are our nearest challengers so there is so much to play for in tomorrow’s game and it should be one to relish for everyone.
“It will be a good game, another Dublin derby, they’re usually good games. Both teams will go to win the game so I expect it will be a good one.”
What’s our injury update, particularly the recent long-term one to Cian Barrett and is Naj Razi close to a return after his fractured cheekbone?
“Naj is close, I think another week before he’s cleared by the surgeon. We tried getting Naj a mask, but it wasn’t possible to play with it so hopefully he’s back in a week. Cian is doing well; it’s a frustrating time for him with his foot in a protective boot. But we’re hoping all goes well with his rehab and will be back for pre-season. Danny Grant, Danny Mandroiu and Victor Ozhianvuna remain unavailable with injury. Everyone else is fine.”
