FINN HARPS have been hit with an early season injury crisis as they prepare for Monday’s game against joint League of Ireland Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers in Ballybofey (kick-off, 8pm).
Trusty defender Ciaran Coll was taken to hospital after the 3-0 defeat by champions Dundalk on Friday night. He now looks to be out with a knee injury for several weeks, along with new signings Barry Molloy and Sean Houston, who were both taken off on their debuts against their former club Derry City.
“It’s a blow and three of our players are out for the foreseeable future but we just have to get on with it and prepare for Rovers,” Harps boss Ollie Horgan said.
With a league cup fixture to come next week as well, against Donegal neighbours Cockhill Celtic, it’s already a busy fixture list for newly promoted Harps.
Horgan added: “It’s relentless, it’s more physical and faster. It’s going to be difficult enough trying to survive with a full squad let alone with one that has injuries. People say I am being pessimistic but I am telling the truth, there is a massive gulf between the top sides and the weaker sides.”
Describing Shamrock Rovers as “a serious, serious side” he pointed out that the Dubliners might even have the luxury of rotating some of the players for the Finn Park game.
Reflecting on the Dundalk defeat he said that they could have no complaints with the result, although he was disappointed with the concession of two of the three goals from set pieces.
Richard Brush made his debut in goals for Harps against the Lilywhites as regular custodian Ciaran Gallagher was unavailable due to work commitments. Horgan has yet to decide who will be in goals for the Rovers’ clash.
Shamrock Rovers come to Finn Park on the back of two wins, against Sligo Rovers and Wexford Youths.
