IT'S BEEN an outstanding couple of days for American sportsmen, not only at Valhalla's Ryder Cup but also in the Eircom League of Ireland.

While Paul Azinger's golfers were notching up some early points last Friday evening on the way to a famous USA victory, Californian goalkeeper, Lance Friesz, was also making a perfect start to his St Patrick's Athletic career with a clean sheet against Bray at the Carlisle Grounds.

And, having watched Azinger's wild card picks beat the odds in Kentucky, the former LA Galaxy custodian is hoping that he can get lucky and squeeze his way into John McDonnell's plans as the fixtures begin to build up, starting tonight in their Setanta Cup tie against Derry City at Richmond Park.

"I've been waiting for the opportunity of a start for a couple of months now, so it felt really good to get out there and finally get a first-team game," said Friesz.

"I'm just grinding away in training and trying to show Johnny what I've got and hope he has the confidence to put me in if Barry (Ryan) needs a rest or gets injured, so I'm just trying to show him that I'm ready."

Pushing

And while Friesz is pushing for a place between the posts, Gary Dempsey looks set to make his return to the team while John Murphy remains out as the Saints begin a run of three games in just seven days.

A win could put Pat's top of the pile in their group but a defeat could crush their hopes of a semi-final berth in the cross-border competition.

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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	36	72
Derry City	36	65
St Patrick's Athletic	36	62
Shelbourne	36	60
Dundalk	36	58
Bohemian FC	36	58
Drogheda United	36	41
Sligo Rovers	36	37
Cork City	36	31
UCD	36	11