Match: Galway United v Drogheda UnitedKick-off: 7.45pmGround: Eamonn Deacy ParkCompetition: Premier Divison Galway United face Drogheda United as Drogs return to the Premier Division following their promotion from the First Division last season. Ga
Match: Galway United v Drogheda United
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Ground: Eamonn Deacy Park
Competition: Premier Divison
Galway United face Drogheda United as Drogs return to the Premier Division following their promotion from the First Division last season.
Galway United manager Shane Keegan said: “Pre-season has gone very well.
“The players are bouncing at the moment, they’ve put in a good week of training in the lead up to the game, there is no reason in the world why we shouldn’t be going out on Friday and giving a really good account of ourselves against Drogheda.
“The players have gelled really well, we’ve got quiet a few new players in key positions down the spine of the team and it’s important for them to bed in as early as possible.
“We don’t get carried away with pre-season results, but you have to be encouraged by how well the new players have integrated into the setup. We’re building momentum and confidence.
“I can’t wait for Friday, I’m really looking forward to walking out on that pitch."
Team News: Maurice Nugent (Tonsillitis). Ronan Murray (knee) and Conor Melody (knee) are both doubtful and will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the game.
Drogheda United manager Pete Mahon said: "I’m really looking forward to it, it’s what all the hard work over the last couple of months have been for.
“This moment seemed a long time away at this stage last year in the First Division but we stuck at it and deserve to be where we are.
“I’ve been delighted with how pre-season has gone, I think we’re in great condition fitness wise but that has to be a given in today’s game. We’ve been fortunate not to have had many disruptions or injuries in pre-season and we feel raring to go for Galway.
“It was important that we kept the core of last season’s side together because they did what we asked of them and we believe that they are capable of making the step-up in quality. We’ve added good experience and quality with some of the new faces and I’m hopeful that we can surprise a few people this year.”
Team News: Mark Griffin (Hamstring) and Mark Doyle (Ankle) both doubts. Sean Brennan and Ryan McEvoy both unavailable.
