BOHEMIANS v BRAY WANDERERS
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 8 July, 7.45pm
Bohemians manager Keith Long admits his team have a pep in their step after recent good form.
Long’s side are unbeaten in six games in all competitions and are climbing up the table. They are currently seventh, the highest they have been all season.
Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Longford Town made it 10 points from a possible 12 and the Gypsies are now just two points off the top half.
Long said: “Winning breeds confidence. Training becomes easier – players arrive with a bit of a spring in their step.
“But we can’t look too far ahead. It’s not that long ago we were talking about our losing streak, so we can’t take things for granted. We need to give a performance on Friday.”
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Last week’s trip to face bottom-of-the-table Longford was viewed as a potential banana skin and Long was relieved to see his side get over the line.
He said: “We didn’t necessarily play particularly well. But we did what we had to do. Longford are desperate for points and they threw everything at us.
“We were in control of the game in the first half, less so in the second half. We were left hanging on for the three points in the end as we could not add another goal but we got them.
“We know we can pass it better and show more quality on the ball.
“But ultimately we were pleased with the result, especially when you see them go up and score three times and be so unlucky to lose against Dundalk on Tuesday.”
Long is again wary by the threat posed by the Seagulls.
Harry Kenny’s side thumped Wexford Youths 3-0 last Saturday, which made it three league games unbeaten and three games without conceding.
Long said: “Harry’s come in and done well. They’re unbeaten in three, have strengthened their squad and they will be dangerous opponents.
“It will be another tough game – there’s a few ex-Bohs players in their squad too which always makes it interesting.”
Bohs were earlier this week strengthened by the addition of Ian Morris to the first team.
After spells with St Patrick’s Athletic and Glenavon, the midfielder joined the club as Youth Development Officer in April.
The 29-year-old previously lined out for Leeds United, Scunthorpe United, Torquay United and Northampton Town during a 10-year career in England.
Long added: “Ian’s played well over 200 games at a good level in England. You don’t survive that long in the Football League without being an excellent professional.
“He’s still only 29 too – himself and Shane Supple played on the same Ireland underage teams – so he has loads to offer. He gives us options in various positions but I would expect Ian to feature for us primarily in midfield.
“He can add to what we do on the pitch but also to the culture off it. You want professional people with a professional mindset pushing standards.
“The club are already seeing his worth in the youth section and he can give the first team a big boost too.”
Dan Byrne (hamstring) is a doubt. Jake Kelly (shoulder) has returned to training but remains doubtful. Dave Mulcahy (virus) is available again.
Goalkeeper Lee Steacy has left the club to join tomorrow’s opposition.
