Noel Haverty wants to fight for his place at St Patrick's Athletic after earning his first league start for the club last week.

The Republic of Ireland U-19 international showed composure and maturity as he slotted in at right-back in the 0-0 draw with UCD, and could be set to hang onto the position.

After impressing on loan at Shelbourne last season, the young defender was unsure if he would be sent out on loan for this campaign as The Super Saints brought in no less than five new defenders.

Now that he has been given an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place in the starting eleven, he is ready to do all that he can to stay in the side.

"There was talk of me going on loan again and the club did not sign a lot of defenders so I wasn't sure if I would get much of a chance," Haverty told the Irish Sun.

"But I have learned a lot from training with quality players. Because we have had a lot of injuries, it has allowed me to get my chance."

Saints manager John McDonnell was full of praise for Haverty after he coped well in the draw against UCD and wants him to prove that he should be in contention for a first-team place.

"He's got his chance now because of injuries but, even when players are fit again, he will still have a role to play over the course of the season," said McDonnell.

Next Fixture

vs DERRY CITY

Date: March 16th (7:45pm)
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Bohemian FC	6	16
St Patrick's Athletic	6	13
Shamrock Rovers	6	11
Shelbourne	6	9
Dundalk	6	7
Derry City	6	8
Drogheda United	6	7
Galway United	6	5
Sligo Rovers	6	4
Waterford FC	6	2