AIRTRICITY LEAGUE:DANIEL KEARNS, the 18-year-old from Belfast whose declaration for the Republic was at the heart of the Court of Arbitration for Sport case that went against the IFA last week, has signed for Dundalk and could feature in tonight's game against UCD, if his international clearance comes through in time.
Kearns, who has played at underage level for both Northern Ireland and, more recently, the Republic, was released by West Ham in May and is now looking to re-establish himself with the Oriel Park outfit.
“I’m delighted to have signed,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting some football and playing some matches at a competitive level. I just need to get back playing again, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to do that.”
Dundalk manager Ian Foster admitted Kearns, Dean Bennett and Matthew Tipton are all some way from match fit but all could be included in the panel for this evening’s game due to the lack of options available to him.
Aside from their form (UCD have taken three points from their last 18, Dundalk four from 24) the students have problems of their own, with Brian Shortall, Seán Harding and David McMillan all out, but Greg Bolger returns from suspension, while Graham Rusk could feature after recovering from a shin injury.
St Patrick’s Athletic will look to extend their lead at the table by beating Drogheda United in Inchicore, although if they do it will be something of a first as the Louthmen have won all three meetings between the two clubs (two of them in the league) so far this season.
Pete Mahon has close to a full squad to choose from with just Gareth Coughlan still laid up, but the visitors have a string of problems, with Alan McNally, Corrie Treacy, Eric McGill and Paul Crowley all suspended, while Darragh McNamara, Jamie Harris and Glen Fitzpatrick are all struggling after injuries. Newly signed Connor Sinnott will, unsurprisingly, go straight into contention for a place in the team.
Out at Bray, another new signing, Gary Dempsey, also goes straight into the squad as Eddie Gormley looks to his players to build on last week’s win in Drogheda. The Wanderers boss expressed disappointment yesterday that the changes he made for the Leinster Cup final against Shelbourne on Monday didn’t end up presenting him with much by way of dilemmas ahead of tonight’s game and so most of those who made way then are likely to return. Richie Baker and David Tyrrell are still out injured, while Adam Mitchell is a doubt due to a hamstring strain.
Sligo, meanwhile, are without goalkeeper Richard Brush (hand injury) and centre back Gavin Peers (suspension) for the game, but Romauld Boco could feature having returned to the club after a stint in England.
In the night’s other top-flight game, Galway United boss Seán Connor should have both Stephen O’Donnell and Steven Walsh available for the visit of Sporting Fingal. Sporting will be without Keith Quinn (foot) and Colin Hawkins (broken ribs).
