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  General

• Friday July 11th, 2008 @ 15:15

SAINTS LOOK TO EXTEND TITLE LEAD

St Patrick's Athletic can extend their lead at the top of the Premier Division when they travel to Cobh on Saturday night for what will be their first league game in St Colman's Park in thirteen years.

Manager John McDonnell has new signing Derek O'Brien available but is without defenders Joe O'Cearuill and John Frost. Ireland International O'Cearuill's return from a long lay off continued on Tuesday when he played 45 minutes for the reserves while Frost is suffering from a thigh strain.

O'Brien, who signed from Galway United last weekend, has trained with the squad all week and looks set to make his league debut for the Saints. Speaking of his new signing McDonnell said,


“While it will take Derek a while to settle in and get used to how we play I've no doubt that he'll adjust in time. He's big and strong, scores goals and he can play on the left wing where we've been short for a while.

“It won't be easy down in Cobh and we'll be hoping for a good performance from the lads like they showed in the second half against Harps last week.”

Last Sunday's 5-1 defeat of Harps saw the Saints move to the top of the Premier Division ahead of title rivals Bohemians, though the Gypsy's have two games in hand.

Cobh Ramblers are currently second from bottom in the Premier Division. Kick Off in St Colman's Park is at 7.45 p.m.