Ruairi Keating of Finn Harps in action against Galway. Photo: Donna El Assaad
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
FINN Harps manager Ollie Horgan believes that Friday night’s top-of-the-table clash with Shelbourne (Tolka Park, 8pm) will be the ‘tightest test’ his side has faced so far this season.
Harps remain unbeaten after four games and are top from Shelbourne, only on goal difference.
Shelbourne drew one-all at Shamrock Rovers B yesterday, after Harps themselves drew with Galway FC in Ballybofey on Saturday night when Paul McVeigh’s goal cancelled out Vinny Faherty’s opener.
It sets Harps up for a massive trip to the capital on Friday.
“That’ll be the tightest test,” Horgan observed. “Galway was difficult but that’ll be even more so.
“If we get out of Shelbourne still unbeaten it will be a serious achievement. Shelbourne are formidable.
“Last weekend, Waterford could’ve been three or four down before they dug in and got a 3-3. Shels are very decent with Keith Quinn in midfield and Lee Desmond home from Newcastle.”
Horgan will be without the suspended Ruairi Keating for this week, while Sean McCarron remains out with a broken cheekbone. Captain Kevin McHugh may yet be available, although he is still rated as doubtful by his manager.
“We’re running very light at the top of the field,” Horgan said.
“But that’s no excuse. We’ve still a squad there. Paul McVeigh came on there and scored an equalising goal. This is a chance now for someone who is training hard.”
Former Derry City and Kilmarnock FC defender Caoimhin Bonner is training with Harps, although his international clearance certificate has yet to be processed.
“Caoimhin wouldn’t have been fit even if his clearance had’ve come through,” Horgan said.
“There’s a timescale there so we’re not quite sure. He’s only doing light training. Hopefully we get the clearance through the foreseeable future.”
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