Sport

Finn earns a two-year contract with Rovers

BUCKING THE general trend in domestic football in the current economic climate, Shamrock Rovers yesterday handed midfielder Ronan…

PAUL BUTTNER
Fri May 04 2012 - 01:00

BUCKING THE general trend in domestic football in the current economic climate, Shamrock Rovers yesterday handed midfielder Ronan Finn a two-year contract extension, committing the 24-year-old to the club until the end of the 2014 season.

“Security is a big issue in football, especially in this league where two-year contracts aren’t as common as they used to be,” said Finn, who has started 62 competitive games in his 14 months at the club. “So to sign a two-year extension on top of this year is great.”

Rovers’s manager Stephen Kenny believes Finn can become “the most influential player” in the league. “I think his full potential has yet to be realised,” said Kenny.

A hamstring strain continues to keep Ken Oman out for the visit of UCD to Tallaght Stadium. Goalkeeper Ger Barron (toe), Tomás Boyle (back) and Chris Mulhall (groin) remain absent for UCD.

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Leaders Sligo Rovers give fitness checks to defenders Alan Keane and Jason McGuinness, along with midfielder Joseph Ndo, for their visit to Drogheda United.

St Patrick’s Athletic’s will be without midfielder James Chambers until after the mid-summer break having damaged knee ligaments. Striker Stephen O’Flynn will again be missing for the trip to Derry City due to a thigh strain. Patrick McEleney is suspended for Derry.

Bottom-side Monaghan United travel to Shelbourne without the suspended pair of goalkeeper Chris Bennion and midfielder Keith Quinn. Stephen Paisley returns to the Shelbourne’s defence after suspension while midfielder Kevin Dawson has also been passed fit.

Cork City wait on Tadhg Purcell, who’s had flu, ahead of their clash with Dundalk at Turner’s Cross. Defender John Donleavy (knee) and midfielder Shane Duggan (thigh) must also prove their fitness. Knee injuries keep Stephen Mulcahy, Kevin Murray and Neal Horgan sidelined along with Jamie Murphy (ankle) and Shane O’Connor (foot). Dundalk’s Chris Shields is suspended.

Captain Owen Heary is a worry for Bohemians with a hip problems for their trip to Bray Wanderers. Karl Moore returns from a shoulder injury. Bray work off the same squad of recent weeks.