Team News – Away vs Waterford 19-06-26
We went down last Friday 2-1 away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park. Despite it being our fifth league defeat of the season, was it one of our better performances other than on the scoreboard?
“I think so. I said after the game, we’ve had two performances like that where we lost the game; Dundalk away and last Friday. I thought we were excellent. We lost the game, which we don’t like obviously, but if we replay that game, nine times out of ten we’ll win it. So we have to accept that and we move on.”
There has been a massive worldwide reaction to Cape Verde’s amazing 0-0 draw with Spain in Monday’s World Cup group game with our captain Pico Lopes front and centre with a tremendous performance. One can’t overestimate just how well Pico performed, particularly as his last competitive game was in early May.
“It was an incredible performance from the Cape Verde team and from Pico. But for him personally, it was incredible, but what we’ve come to expect from him. But to do that against such high level opposition, in such a big occasion, was incredible to see. It was brilliant, it was emotional, as we all know Pico on a personal level. He’s such a good man and it’s really nice when you see good people rewarded for everything he gives to the game. So it was a special night, that he had all his family in the stadium was something they will talk about until they’re old and when Pico’s son Diego has his own kids. That’s priceless.”
In an eventful week, we learned our upcoming Champions League qualifier will be against Floriana of Malta. Do you know much or anything about them yet?
“We have started our homework on Floriana. By the time that comes around, we’ll be well up to date on everything regarding Floriana. But right now, we’ve a lot of league games to play before that. So we’re just fully focussed on Waterford tomorrow and then ready to go against Floriana when that comes around.”
It’s an away trip to Waterford on Friday. New manager Graham Coughlan has done well since taking over the team. Have your careers crossed paths?
“No, they haven’t but Graham has done a good job and tomorrow is a tough game. Our two games so far this year have been that so tomorrow will be no different. But I like where we are, we just need to keep at that level, stay there and we’ll be fine.”
Waterford put four past Sligo last week so will be buzzing going into Friday. As you said, a difficult game awaits us at the RSC.
“They’ve got good players and we know that, we know a few of them. Padraig Amond and Tommy Lonergan are scoring goals. They have real experience at the back and since Graham has gone in, Waterford’s results have picked up. But we come into it in a good place and we just need to show Waterford the full respect they deserve.”
What’s our injury updates?
Victor Ozhianvuna remains out for a few more weeks. Danny Grant picked up a knock in training that will keep him out for a few weeks. Maleace Asamoah I hope has a chance to be ready for either Derry or Galway. Dan Cleary we hope might also be available for Derry or Galway next week.”
