General
- Thursday October 25th, 2018 @ 20:12
TEAM NEWS: Saints Vs Derry City (Friday 7.45pm)
St Patrick's Athletic host Derry City on Friday night in Richmond Park in their final game of the 2018 SSE Airtricity League season (kick-off 7.45pm).
Following last week's 4-0 away win over Limerick, the Saints know that they can secure a fifth place finish should they win and Bohemians fail to win their fixture against league champions Dundalk.
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In team news, the Saints are without both Darragh Markey and Christy Fagan through injury, while they are boosted by the return of midfielder Jamie Lennon from suspension.
"I was really pleased with the performance from the players last week," Director of Football Ger O'Brien told stpatsfc.com. "We created a load of chances to add to the four goals we got and by right, should have won by more but I was still delighted with the lads application and desire to get the result."
"We have set ourselves the target of getting to 50 points in the league and we can do that by winning on Friday night against Derry City. The players have been great for me since I've come in a few weeks ago and I'm hoping we can push on and finish on a high for all involved in the team and for the supporters for their support throughout the season.
"I was out watching Derry last Monday in their game against Bray and they had enough chances to win the game, but got caught out at the end by Bray from a set-piece. I know Kenny Shiels will be urging his players to finish on a high as well so we have to be put in a good performance to get the three points."
O’Brien continues to take charge of the Saints for the final game of the season after the appointment of Harry Kenny on Wednesday, and O’Brien was quick to pay tribute to midfielder Conan Byrne who goes into his final game for the Saints after it was confirmed the 34 year old is to leave the club.
"Friday will be the last game for a few players and one who has given the club great service is Conan Byrne. I know Conan well having played with him at the club and he has been great since I got involved in the coaching of the team as well. Conan joined us in 2013 and since then has been superb each season in scoring goals and helping us win silverware.
"Conan will go down not only as a fans' favourite, but one of the best players to have played for the club in our history."
