LEAGUE OF IRELAND, PREMIER DIVISION:HIS FIVE goals this season having moved him onto the top 10 all-time League of Ireland goalscorers list, Bohemians' striker Jason Byrne is determined to continue finding the net and winning trophies.
The former Republic of Ireland international has scored 144 league goals, four behind team-mate Glen Crowe, and they are the only two scoring centurions still playing.
“It’s been ‘so far, so good’ to date this season, even if it was a slow start with my injury,” said Byrne as he prepared to face former club Bray Wanderers at Dalymount Park tonight. “We’re near the end of the first series of games and I don’t think things could be going any better.
“The main thing is we’re back on top of the league and playing good football. It’s good to score goals, but when they are spread out amongst the team it’s good. I see some great names on the list and it’s great being in the top 10.
“When I started out first I never dreamed of scoring so many goals. I’m still knocking them in, so hopefully I can score a few more.”
The 31-year-old Dubliner has been the league’s top scorer four times in winning four league titles and two FAI Cups. But he remains hungry for success.
“I would love to win a few more things, score a few more goals and get closer to the top (of the list). I’m getting on a bit now, but I think I have a few more seasons left in me. Hopefully, I can fit in a few more leagues and catch up with (captain) Owen Heary.”
The champions are struggling defensively tonight, with Mark Rossiter (hamstring) still out, while Brian Shelley is a doubt with a similar complaint. Midfielder Glenn Cronin (thigh) is also not fit, though striker Neale Fenn has recovered from a calf strain.
For the first time this season, Bray manager Eddie Gormley has a full-strength squad.
Midfielder Stephen O’Donnell (knee) and defender Neal Horgan (elbow) remain out for third-placed Cork City as they look to stretch their unbeaten league run to six games at home to faltering Galway United. Defender Robert Mezeckis (Achilles) and winger Davin O’Neill (ankle) are also major doubts. As he’s on loan from Cork, Galway midfielder Seán Kelly is ineligible, with Alan Murphy his likely replacement.
Goalkeeper Ger Doherty returns for Derry City, who lie just a point ahead of Cork in second place, at home to Dundalk. Captain Peter Hutton is fit following a groin laceration, though fellow defender Clive Delaney is a doubt with a hip injury.
Dundalk are without key defender Liam Burns and midfielder Michael Daly, who’ve both picked up hamstring injuries. Fellow defender Thomas Heary and striker Declan O’Brien must also prove their fitness if they are to be involved. Right-back Shaun Kelly (ankle) is also a doubt.
Simon Kelly returns from suspension, while the club report striker Dwight Barnett has left Oriel Park by mutual consent.
Shane Barrett, Robbie Martin (both hamstring), Robbie Farrell (knee) and John Paul Kelly (ankle) all remain out for bottom-of-the-table Drogheda United as they host Sligo Rovers. They’re joined on the injured list by William Woods and Eoghan Osbourne, who made his league debut at St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday. On the plus side, manager Alan Mathews has defenders Alan McNally and Robbie Clarke fit.
Sligo captain Conor O’Grady, who has a dead leg, joins defender Mauro Almeida and striker Stephen Parkhouse out injured. Romuald Boco is likely to drop back into central midfield, with Steve Feeney set to start up front.
TONIGHT’S FIXTURES (7.45pm unless stated): Premier Division: Bohemians v Bray Wanderers, Cork City v Galway United, Derry City v Dundalk, Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers. First Division: Limerick FC v Waterford United, Mervue United v UCD, Monaghan United v Kildare County (8pm), Shelbourne v Athlone Town (8pm).
