WE’RE REFOCUSED

​LIMERICK v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League
Saturday August 19 2017, Markets Field, 6.30pm

Keith Long says Bohemians have refocused and are fully committed to the challenges ahead this season.

The Gypsies suffered an agonising FAI Cup exit away to Finn Harps last Friday.

Leading 3-2 in the third minute of injury-time, Bohs conceded a sucker-punch penalty before being dumped out 4-3 in extra time.

But manager Long believes his players know they cannot afford to dwell on the manner of that defeat.

He wants to consolidate Bohs’ position in sixth place – tomorrow’s opposition are just five points behind in seventh.

Long said: “We all know we’ve got to pick ourselves up, we have no other choice.

“The lads were devastated at the manner of the defeat in Ballybofey, you could feel that in training on Sunday.

“But we have refocused now. There’s been a bright and positive atmosphere in training since.”

While Bohs are currently in the top half, only eight points separate them and the relegation zone.

Such is the congested nature of the table that nobody has stopped looking over their shoulders yet.

Long added: “We’ve eight really important games between now and the end of the season.

“We are not out of the woods yet, despite our current position.

“But our recent league form has given us every reason to feel positive.

“Limerick are a team in and around us so it’s important we try and give a performance capable of getting a result.

“Our form has been decent away from home so we have to go and give a good account of ourselves.”

TEAM NEWS

Oscar Brennan and Paddy Kavanagh are suspended.

With goalkeeper Greg Murray (hand) out for the rest of the season, Colin McCabe, signed from Celtic, will take his place on the bench.

Eoin Wearen (cruciate) remains out.