General
- Thursday July 30th, 2020 @ 19:22
Team News: Dundalk Vs Saints
St Patrick's Athletic travel to Oriel Park on Friday evening when they face champions Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League.
The Saints head into the game following the enforced break with their last game having taken place way back on March 6th, a 1-0 home win over Cork City thanks to Billy King's goal.
In team news, head coach Stephen O'Donnell almost has a fully squad available, with new signings David Titov (formerly of Brentford) and ex Bradford City man Jordan Gibson having received international clearance.
Georgie Kelly however is unavailable due to the terms of his loan deal from parent club Dundalk.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com O'Donnell admitted that it was great to be back preparing for a football match after the enforced break in the season.
"A few months ago this all seemed far, far away and the odds were that the league might not even start. So this is all for us to savour and be thankful that we are back playing football and doing something that we love. So we are all looking forward to the restart on Friday against Dundalk."
The Saints start off in Oriel Park for what is five games in 16 days and O'Donnell admitted it will be tough to manage, but is also a challenge he and the players are relishing.
"It's a hectic schedule, a bit of a crazy one after having so long off. Having so many games in a short period of time, the main concern for the players will be injury prevention and it is somewhat inevitable that you will pick up injuries with that schedule after so long off.
"But we will deal with it as best we can and like I've said, we are all looking forward to getting back and it will be all Hands to the pump for the games coming up."
