Foster focused on getting back home with tie alive

Levski Sofia v Dundalk

DUNDALK MANAGER Ian Foster may be facing internal and external sanctions after his public outburst directed at the FAI earlier this week, but he’s not letting it affect his preparations for tonight’s qualifier against Levski Sofia.

Speaking after his side’s 4-0 hammering by Shamrock Rovers on Sunday, Foster slammed the schedule they had been asked to play and said it was hindering their European prospects.

The FAI have rejected Foster’s comments, while in a statement published on the club website Dundalk chairman Gerry Matthews said the board of management would be meeting with the manager to discuss the matter. The Liverpool native wouldn’t be drawn on the issue in Sofia last night.

The former Galway United manager was more positive about his side’s prospects against a strong Levski side. “It’s going to be difficult,” he said. “We know how strong they are but we’re not here to make up the numbers. A good result for us would probably be a draw or an away goal . . . we just want to go back to Ireland with something to hold on to. We’ve had help from Premier League clubs in England who have big scouting networks so they’ve been able to help us with Levski.”

Foster can call on new signing Steven Lennon, while Fahrudin Kudozovic and Garry Breen are expected to come back into the side after missing the Rovers game through suspension.

Levski, who have had a difficult pre-season, will be without the injured Dusty Myulder, Chakib Benzukan and Georgi Hristov, while key player Hristo Yovov is included in their squad, but remains a doubt.