After a first series of games in which they have struggled to impress, Ronan Finn understands the frustration of supporters as Shamrock Rovers look to finally spark their season to life against champions Dundalk at Tallaght Stadium tonight.
Stephen Bradley’s Rovers have lost six of their 11 games so far, finding it hard to consistently impose themselves on opponents.
“They’re right, they should be frustrated,” said captain Finn of fans’ disgruntlement at the team’s stop-start displays to date.
“You watch us and we can play the ball well for the first 45 minutes, go 1-0 up, 2-0 up and then you are rubbing you hands saying we’ll kick on and get three or four.
“Then, all of a sudden, we’re not passing the ball anymore. A team then gets on top of you and . . . they’re in a game.”
And Finn accepts it is him and his team-mates who are ultimately responsible.
“It comes from the players,” said the 29-year-old midfielder who won the title with Dundalk in each of the last two seasons before moving back to Dublin 24 this winter.
“We’ve got to maintain our high standards. That’s why I completely understand if the fans are frustrated, the manager’s frustrated, the staff are frustrated. The manager and the staff can do so much, but as a player you have to take responsibility. We’re on the pitch. If I’ve a bad touch it’s nobody else’s fault but mine.
“I take responsibility for that. It’s something that, as players, we’ve got to make sure our standards are maintained.”
With Paul Corry back fit, fellow midfielder Ryan Connolly (foot) is Rovers’ only injury concern.
‘Hard work’
After a surprise fourth defeat of the season in Galway last week saw them drift 12 points behind leaders Cork City, Dundalk could also do with finding some consistency. That is something that will only come with continued effort and endurance, insists manager Stephen Kenny.
“We are nothing without hard work,” said Kenny who remains without right back Seán Gannon (knee) and midfielder Robbie Benson (hamstring).
“We must realise the importance of hard work and understand that that has underpinned every part of our success over the past few years. We must roll up our sleeves and work hard for each other. That will give us a platform to utilise our creative instincts.
“We’ve a lot of very creative players in the team. We want them to really express themselves.”
Cork continue without injured defender Alan Bennett and midfielder Garry Buckley as they host suspension and injury-hit Finn Harps at Turner’s Cross looking to make it 12 wins from 12.
“Every week throws up different challenges for us and we’re well aware of what a fantastic job Ollie Horgan has done at Finn Harps over the last few years,” said Cork City manager John Caulfield, wary of Harps’ doggedness which has brought them away wins at St Patrick’s Athletic and Derry City.
“We know they will play on the counterattack and we will have to be at our best to pick up the three points.”
Sent off at Bohemians last week, experienced midfielder Barry Molloy is suspended for Harps. Coupled to an injury list of Harry Doherty, Packie Mailey, Danny Morrissey, Eddie Dsane, BJ Banda and Jonny Bonner, manager Horgan says he may only have 14 players available to travel south.
Tonight’s fixtures (7.45pm unless stated)
Premier Division
Bray Wanderers v St Patrick’s Athletic
Home: 5/6; Draw: 5/2; Away: 16/5
Cork City v Finn Harps
Home: 1/6; Draw: 11/2; Away: 18/1
Derry City v Bohemians
Home: 8/13; Draw: 14/5; Away: 9/2
Drogheda United v Galway United
Home: 7/4; Draw: 9/4; Away: 8/5
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk (8.0)
Home: 14/5; Draw: 23/10; Away: Evens
First Division
Athlone Town v Cobh Ramblers
Home: 3/1; Draw: 5/2; Away: 10/11
UCD v Wexford
Home: 11/20; Draw: 3/1; Away: 5/1
Waterford v Shelbourne
Home: 4/5; Draw: 5/2; Away: 7/2
