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  General

• Friday August 15th, 2008 @ 14:50

SAINTS FACE TRICKY WEXFORD TRIP

St Patrick's Athletic move quickly from the UEFA Cup to the FAI Ford Cup this weekend when they take on Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park this Sunday.

The tie is the first competitive meeting between the two sides since Mick Wallace's Youths were granted a license to compete in the eircom League of Ireland last year.

The sides have met once however in a pre-season friendly in February of this year when the Saints ran out 5-1 winners with goals from Gary O'Neill (2), Mark Quigley (2) and Keith Fahey.

Having secured a memorable two all draw against IF Elfsborg in Sweden on Thursday night manager John McDonnell told stpatsfc.com that Sunday's game will be a test for his side.

“I've no doubt and the players have no doubt that it will be a difficult game against Wexford. It's the next match for us so it's the most important match.

“There's a place in the quarter finals of the FAI Cup to play for and we want to go as far as we can in every competition this season.”

Wexford native Gary Dempsey, who scored the Saints second goal in Sweden on Thursday, suffered a back injury and is a slight doubt for McDonnell who says it may be tomorrow before he knows who is available.

“We came out of last night ok and relatively unscathed. Gary Dempsey hurt his back during the game but I'd be confident that he'll be available.

“We'll train tomorrow (Saturday) and assess how everybody is fitness wise. It was a tough game in Sweden and we might look to involve some of the lads who didn't get a run there.”

Aside from Dempsey the Saints have no fresh injury worries but Derek O'Brien and Glen Fitzpatrick (both ankle), who both missed the Elfsborg game, are doubtful while long term absentees Gary O'Neill (groin) and Dave Partridge (wrist) are unlikely to make it.

Kick Off in Ferrycarrig Park this Sunday is at 8 p.m.