UCD MANAGER Martin Russell insists his players are under the same pressure to get results as any others in the League of Ireland.
Russell felt UCD’s system of pairing education with football was ridiculed by remarks made by former Cork City manager Dave Barry on the MNS programme recently and the club wrote to RTÉ on the matter earlier this week. Barry implied that UCD are under less pressure than relegation rivals Dundalk because their players are students.
“Recent comments have been a little bit patronising, hinting that there is no pressure,” said Russell ahead of tomorrow’s visit of St. Patrick’s Athletic to the UCD Bowl.
“The pressure is from within . . . The aspirations and ambitions of our players are no different to the players at Dundalk or any other Premier Division club.”
Russell remains without the injured Ger Barron, Chris Mulhall, Seán Russell, Ger Barron, Cillian Morrison and Graham Rusk. St Patrick’s captain Conor Kenna is suspended.
League leaders Sligo Rovers welcome back top-scorer Danny North from a domestic suspension as they host Cork City at the Showgrounds tomorrow evening. Regular left-back Iarfhlaith Davoren is suspended while right-back Alan Keane is doubtful with a calf injury.
Cork’s ex-Sligo winger Daryl Horgan (hamstring) is a major doubt, while Davin O’Neill (groin), Gearóid Morrissey (ankle), Kalen Spillane (Achilles) and Dan Murray (groin) must prove their fitness.
