Bohemians manager Keith Long says he expects Finn Harps to bounce straight back from the set-back of having been relegated from the Premier Division.
Harps travel tomorrow to face the Gypsies in their final game of the season and Harps’ last act for this spell as a top flight club.
Harps’ fate was sealed last weekend, but Long doesn’t believe that Harps will be back in the doldrums for too long.
“I commiserate with Ollie Horgan on their relegation, but I feel their absence from the division will be a short-term one,” he said.
“We’ve found them difficult opponents. They are a very well-organised team.”
Bohemians go into the game buoyed by some of their key men agreeing to remain at Dalymount Park next year.
Five players – Dan Byrne, Rob Cornwall, Paddy Kavanagh, Derek Pender and Shane Supple – extended their stay at the club this week.
It brings to eight the number of players under contract for next season after rising stars Oscar Brennan, Warren O’Hora and Fuad Sule inked new deals at the start of August.
This time last year, Bohs had nobody under contract for 2017 so manager Keith Long is relieved to have some of his business done early.
He said: “We are in a stronger position now than we are last year. It’s important to have key players committed as we want to push on next season.
“Derek Pender as captain and Shane Supple as vice-captain, they were two players I wanted to tie down as they drive the culture we’re trying to create at this club.
“They lead by example and we hope that by tying them down already, others will follow suit. We have other agreements nearly in place, so we will be in a better place.
“We re-signed some of our younger players in August too. The fans’ player fund mid-season allowed us to do that and bring in the likes of Dan Casey who has a very bright future.
“That was a testament to the backing we’ve had from our supporters this season and we really want to give them a send-off tomorrow.”
Goalkeeper Supple (knee) is set to miss a league game for the first time this season meaning Colin McCabe, signed as back-up in August following his release from Celtic and a hand injury to Greg Murray, is likely to make his debut.
Dylan Hayes (foot) is also set to sit this one out, while Dan Byrne, Rob Cornwall and Keith Ward are all suspended.
Warren O’Hora (hamstring) will return, while Eoin Wearen (cruciate) is likely to get first run-out of the year having returned to matchday squad v Dundalk last week.
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