FINN Harps get their new season underway with a trip to Bohemians at Dalymount Park tonight.
Ollie Horgan’s team are back in the Premier Division after a 12 month absence, and they will face a huge challenge to survive in the top flight.
Horgan is glad to be back in with the big boys, but he’s under no illusions about the mammoth task that’s in front of them.
“It’s a serious league, and there is a huge amount of quality in it.
“We’re going to have to try and start well as we don’t want to get cut adrift at the bottom.
“It’s great that we’re back in the Premier Division, but people will need to be patient.
“We’ve Bohs first up, and we have a terrible record in Dalymount, so it’s a very tough start.”
Horgan has recruited Cork City player John Kavanagh on loan this week, but he is short a number of key players for the clash with Bohs.
“We are missing a few players this weekend.
“Mark Timlin is out long-term. He has had a cartilage operation. I’d rather not say who else isn’t playing, but we have three injured and two unavailable.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone else this week, but we will need that other five back quickly as everyone will be needed.”