General
- Monday March 18th, 2013 @ 15:33
Saints Looking To Bounce Back
The Saints face their second Dublin derby in four days as Alan Matthews' Shelbourne are the visitors to Richmond Park on Tuesday night as the home side look for their second home win of the season.
Liam Buckley's side will be looking to continue their recent good run of form against the Reds which saw them claim two wins and a draw in last season's clashes between the sides, the last clash seeing the Saints leave Tolka Park last September as 2-0 winners.
In the corresponding fixture in Richmond Park last June, a Greg Bolger goal not only gave the Saints a 1-0 win, but also ended a 10 year run in which they had failed to beat the Drumcondra side in Inchicore in the league.
Tuesday's game will see Saints' midfielder Conan Byrne come up against his former side for the first time since his move from Tolka Park in the winter, and the midfielder admits that while he has fond memories of his time there, he is remains fully focused on getting the three points and returning to winning ways.
“I had a great two years playing with Shels. The first year there we reached the FAI cup final which was great, while last year unfortunately we couldn't do as well. I know I'll see most of the lads before the game on Tuesday, but to be honest I won't be thinking about anything other than getting the three points,” Byrne told stpatsfc.com.
Following last Friday's defeat in Tallaght, Byrne also mentioned that the side needed no motivation to get a result as the mood in the Saints' squad was to bounce back following the 3-0 loss.
“To be honest after the disappointing result last Friday against Rovers, I'm just looking forward to getting back playing so soon so we can get things right on the pitch after a disappointing performance. We want to put things right after that game.”
For Saints' manager Buckley, Stephen Maher comes into contention for selection for the first time since joining the club for a second spell having served a two match ban, however keeper Dave Ryan remains on the sidelines as he recovers from a hand injury.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com about the upcoming match, Buckley spoke of the quality he expected Shelbourne to display on Tuesday night, with several former Pats' players in contention to make an appearance against their former side such as Pat Flynn, Philip Hughes and Mark Leech.
“Shels may have no points on the board to date, but only for one or two things going against them, they could be a bit further up the league.
They've got some good players who have good league experience as well so it should make for a good Dublin derby.
Alan Matthews' sides are always well organised and you know you'll always be given a tough test, so I'd expect no different on Tuesday.”
