The capture of Barry Ryan is a fantastic one for the club, John Gill has been very astute in capturing the Clare man's signature for the club, everyone makes mistakes, and I'm sure that Barry will be delighted of this opportunity to make amends, we was one of the best keepers in the league at the time of his ban. Robbie and Brendan have been excellent over the last number of years, but for whatever reasons, neither have lit the premier division alight this season. They are both excellent keepers, but never seemed to click. Barry has to be my first choice at this moment in time.
At the back we now have a range of players to select from: Toccy is our first choice right back, and started his first game in months, after a shaking opening half, he was much more solid for the second half, and will grow back into the role that he made his name in.
Wes Byrne or Keith Foy (Who can also play on the left of midfield) will fill the left back slot for the remainder of the season, both accomplished and experienced players who can spray balls around the ground, (sometimes Wes can be a little more off target than we might like)
As far as Central defence goes, we have a nice little choice, Griff, Chris Deans, Sweat, Ben Whelehan & Alan Keely (nearly over that mysterious injury??) all players who would instill confidence but for the time being Griff and Deans would have to be the starting pair based on current form.
In the middle of the park, I'm still unconvinced about Dom Tierney's contribution, when he gets forward he can be devastatingly good, just ask Dan Connor (Waterford), but he seems to lack confidence or something, and as of yet I still can't remember him delivering a forward pass, its soccer not rugby. I think our best midfield at the moment is Cottsy on the left, Jason Colwell and Paul Crowley in the centre with David McGill on the right, or with Killian Brennan / Keith Foy on the left, when he's not playing at left full.
Up front, I haven't seen Peter Hynes, so I wait in anticipation, Gary and Philly are still the starting front two at least in my eyes, and unfortunately, I think its curtains for two of our existing front men, Robbie Farrell, the club's top scorer has been fantastic all throughout the days of Dublin City, and it will be a sad day for the club to see him leave, but the limited chance he has received this season, seem to point to a early exit for the Baldoyle man. Keith Maher is another who has struggled all season, and may also be on his way.
That would leave us with a slimline attack force, Gary, Philip, Robbie Collins and new signing Peter Hynes.
So My starting eleven at the moment would be:
Barry Ryan
Tony O'Connor
Keith Foy
Derek Griffin
Chris Deans
Jason Colwell
Cathal O'Connor
Paul Crowley
Gary O'Neill
Philip Hughes
David McGill
Subs:
Brendan Kennedy / Robbie Horgan
Wes Byrne
Barry Burke
Dom Tierney
Peter Hynes
