“The tough games keep coming”

Danny Grant in action against Shamrock Rovers - Stephen Burke

BOHEMIANS v WATERFORD
Friday April 26 2019, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm

Match sponsors: DHL Express. Matchball sponsors: DB Electrical

Bohemians supporters are still enjoying the bragging rights after winning the Dublin derby on Tuesday.

But Danny Grant has warned that the ‘tough games keep coming’ and that there can be no let-up in performance if second-placed Bohs want to maintain and build upon their good start to the season.

Grant was a contender for the man-of-the-match award in Bohs’ 1-0 win against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium before a knock to his knee forced him off 20 minutes into the second half.

A self-assured performance beyond his years was up there with the best yet from a youngster who has progressed to the Bohs first team from the club’s U19s for whom he won two league titles in a row.

The 19-year-old, a business management student in Maynooth University, said: “I feel as a player I have come on and that’s thanks to the help I’ve got from Keith Long and Trevor Croly.

“There’s no better club in the league to be with as a young player. If you work hard and are good enough, you will get a chance.

“I want to keep developing, I want to see can if I get better. Keith’s told me he thinks I look a different player than I was before and that’s given me more confidence.”

That self-belief was evident on Tuesday as Grant was a constant thorn in Rovers’ side in the first half – drawing the first of Lee Grace’s two yellow cards and seeing Trevor Clarke red-carded when he was pulled down on the edge of the area.

Despite his relative inexperience, Grant is no stranger to causing damage in Dublin derbies – it was his low cross in the 99th minute that teed up Darragh Leahy’s memorable winner last season.

But the pressure ratcheted up another notch on Tuesday as Bohs maintained their seven-game unbeaten run against the Hoops, clawing the league leaders’ eight-point lead at the top of the table back to five in the process. The Gypsies also have a game in hand.

Grant said: “Tuesday night was great for everyone at the club. We haven’t set a target but we wanted to win, particularly to close the gap.

“There was definitely more expectation. I’ve only been involved in two derbies but you could feel there was more expectation this time.

“There was an even bigger crowd than before and we had great support behind us. We deserved the three points, although we played better against 11 men.

“I was pleased with how I did and it was a pity I had to go off. I went on a run and got a knock to back of my knee, I think from Lee Grace.

“I couldn’t keep running. I saw Wardy (Keith Ward) warming up on the sideline and I signaled to Bucko (Keith Buckley) to tell the gaffer to take me off.”

Grant is hoping to retain his place in the squad tomorrow though for the visit of Waterford to Dalymount Park – Bohs’ seventh of eight games this month, with a trip to Derry on Monday to come.

Long’s squad has been tested to the max but such have been the level of performances from players who have come into the team while he rotates things that team selection has proved difficult.

Grant said: “Tough games keep coming – the schedule this month has been a test for all clubs. But I think we are in a position this season where we have a really good squad.

“Everyone is made feel important, even if you aren’t playing. It’s obviously hard if you’re starting or borderline starting one week and then in the stands the next week.

“But it is a team effort. There is nobody sulking when they’re left out – there’s no room for that at Bohs.”

While Bohs players are only taking it one game at a time, Grant’s mam Julie can afford to look one ahead.

Her cupcakes on the team’s trip home from Ballybofey a fortnight ago proved very popular, with Danny adding: “I think maybe she’ll bake a big cake for the lads coming back from Derry on Monday instead!”

TEAM NEWS

Cristian Magerusan (cruciate) is Bohs’ only absentee.

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