Duff: “A difficult place to go but we realise the task that is at hand” | OneFootball

The Reds visit Weavers Park to face Drogheda United this Thursday. (7:45pm KO)

The Reds will look to make it 4 wins on the spin following last week’s victory over Galway United. Reflecting on the game the manager told ShelbourneFC.ie: “

“It was a really difficult night, whether it is home or away against Galway, there is a reason why they are causing so many upsets this year, they have a top manager, top staff and some very dangerous players but it was an absolutely brilliant win.”

Shels manager Damien Duff delivered a squad update ahead of the fixture. The Reds boss told ShelbourneFC.ie: “

“Training has been really good, slightly shorter week but the lads have trained very well, they’re in good spirits and it looks like we will have everybody fit and available which doesn’t happen very often.”

This will be the third meeting between the sides this season, both occasions prior saw the game end in a draw, with a dramatic late equaliser from Sean Boyd last time out. The manager had this to say about Thursday’s matchup: “

“Tomorrow is a very dangerous game, Drogheda, especially away, it’s always a difficult place to go but we realise the task that is at hand”

“I know Kevin will have them highly motivated and they have a lot of players in their squad that are always highly motivated when they play Shelbourne but we just have to make sure we play with a real cutting edge”

“We have our own motivations to do well. It is always a very tough game but we are fully prepared and ready”

This game of course is our only league fixture in July, when asked if that fact added more to the game Duff told ShelbourneFC.ie: “

“Pressure has been mentioned many times but I think I’m speaking for all the lads, we don’t feel any pressure, I’ve been in polar opposite positions in a league when I was a player, been up the top, been down the bottom and believe you me, being down the bottom is not a nice pressure but, up the top is a pleasure.”

“Everyone is training well, working hard with smiles on their faces but yeah, only one league game in July, so it is imperative we come out with a positive result”

Following this game the Reds have the first round of UEFA Conference League qualifying but Duff says it’s important that the squad remain focused and take it one game at a time:

“Europe hasn’t been mentioned to the players at all this week, all eyes are on Drogheda United, that’s our only concern and our most important concern.

“There are a lot of people at the club excited for Europe, relishing it, but the league is a lot more important.”

The Reds moved quickly to add to the signings this summer with returning fan favourite Harry Wood joining Ali Coote and Sam Bone through the gates of Tolka Park, the manager told ShelbourneFC.ie: “

“Brilliant business done but I’d put it on par with Coote and Bone. Wood, a statement, but two others came with it in Sam and Ali.

“Three massive additions to the squad, to the culture, and to the standards around the place and obviously tying in with all that they’re bloody good players and it is a pleasure to have them.”

“As we always say, competition is the best coach, the levels in training already have jumped markedly higher.”