ANTO Murphy is back at St Pat's for a third spell after finalising his move to the Inchicore club last night.
Saints boss Pete Mahon is confident that Murphy's injury hell is behind him - but the versatile 28-year-old is not registered in time for tonight's Setanta Cup first round clash away to Cliftonville.
Murphy arrives from Bohemians where he won the double in 2008 and the league title in 2009. He also scored the winner in last season's Setanta Cup final - against St Pat's.
But the utility man endured a torrid season at Dalymount Park last year, with a troublesome Achilles injury restricting him to just four league starts.
Following his release from Bohs, he spent much of the winter with Shamrock Rovers and featured in a number of the champions pre-season games - but wasn't offered a deal.
That allowed Mahon, right, to step forward yesterday and bring Murphy back to Richmond Park for a third spell having also played for Monaghan, UCD and Sligo in between.
Mahon said: "Anto has had surgery and we've had the medical reports. I've also spoken to different people about his condition.
"He trained with us yesterday morning and looked okay to me - my eyes didn't deceive me.
"We didn't kill him though as he's played a few games with Shamrock Rovers but he looks to be in fine fettle and his versatility should be an asset for us."
And Mahon isn't finished his pre-season shopping spree just yet, with the Dubliner on the hunt for a new striker.
"There is room for one more signing only," added the Saints boss. "We'd like another forward but will have to move very quickly. We've spoken to a few players and are waiting to hear back.
"We'd have liked to of signed a few of the Sporting Fingal players but that came too late for us really as we'd spent most of our money."
Mahon is on a rebuilding mission at Richmond Park after nine players departed the club at the end of last season.
And with new arrivals like creative midfielders Shane McFaul and Stephen Bradley, Saints fans could be treated to something different on the field this season.
"We're trying to change the way we play a little bit," added Mahon. "We'll have more skilful players as the two boys are very technical."
Tonight, St Pat's travel to Solitude for the opening leg of their first round Setanta Cup clash with Cliftonville who sit second in the Irish Premiership.
Mahon is a big fan of the cross-border competition and, like everyone else, welcomes the decision to make it a knockout competition.
But having reached the final last season, only to lose out to that Murphy goal in Tallaght, he says nothing but the trophy will satisfy him this year.
"To make amends we'll have to win it as I was bitterly disappointed to lose that final. It would be great to go one better.
"I haven't been to Cliftonville before but they are going really well and are second in the league.
"It will be a stern challenge but we'll go there in a positive frame of mind with our own game plan and try win the match.
"We'll be positive and try stamp our authority on the game."
McFaul (virus) didn't train yesterday and is a doubt, while Murphy won't be registered until the second leg. Otherwise the Saints are at full strength.
Eddie Patterson's Cliftonville go into the tie on the back of a 3-2 home win over Dungannon at the weekend.
Bookmarks