LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION:PADDY MADDEN hopes manager Pat Fenlon is as good as his word over the coming weeks as he strives to make a breakthrough at Bohemians. The 19-year-old striker is champing at the bit on his return from a loan spell at Shelbourne and should make the squad for the champions' and league leaders' trip to bottom of the table Bray Wanderers tonight.
“I made my debut versus Cobh down in Cork, I came on for the last 15 minutes, that was the only time I played last season,” said the Ireland youth international.
“I was hoping to get a look in at the start of the season, but Pat thought a loan deal would help me to progress more. He said I had progressed as he had wanted and he called me back, to give me a chance, hopefully.
“He sat down with me the other day and said ‘you did what I wanted you to do and I’m ready to give you a shot’. Pat said he had called me back to play. That’s what I want to do. Hopefully I can get on and get an opportunity.”
With top scorer Jason Byrne, Glen Crowe and Neale Fenn ahead of him in the pecking order, Madden may have to bide his time, but his confidence isn’t lacking. “They have been the best three strikers in the league in the last few years so I don’t expect to walk in. The three lads have been great, helping me with stuff, but I’m there to fight for my position.
“I’m delighted to be back,” added Coolock-bred Madden.
“I feel like it’s going to progress my career further because I’ll be with the top team in Ireland. It was sad to leave Shels because I enjoyed it there but it’s great to be back at Bohs.
“I think I have progressed a bit more after being at Shels and playing against First Division clubs, because I had never played against senior players. I’m glad I scored a few goals because it showed I can score at that level.”
Bar a slight injury doubt concerning midfielder Anthony Murphy, Fenlon brings a full quad to Bray.
Struggling Wanderers, who’ve slumped to bottom after five defeats in their last seven games, are not so lucky as ever-present left-back Dane Massey and experienced utility player Dave Mulcahy are both suspended while defender Dave Webster (ankle) and midfielder Chris Shields (heel) must prove their fitness.
Second-placed Derry City also have suspension and injury problems as they travel to rejuvenated Dundalk. Defenders Clive Delaney and Steven Gray, along with midfielder Gareth McGlynn, are suspended while midfield trio Kevin Deery (calf), Barry Molloy (ankle) and winger Liam Kearney (broken leg) are out injured.
“Obviously, with the injuries and suspensions that we have it will be a challenge, but we have been very consistent of late, keeping six clean sheets in a row,” said Derry manager Stephen Kenny. Dundalk, looking for a third win on the spin, have no injury concerns.
Cork City have midfielder Joe Gamble fit following a minor knee operation for their visit to Galway United.
But manager Paul Doolin is missing suspended midfielder Shane Duggan while winger Billy Dennehy is a doubt with a hamstring injury.David Cooke is suspended for Galway, while fellow midfielders Alan Murphy and Shane Fitzgerald remain out with ankle injuries.
