McCaffrey is relishing return to help Point’s survival battle
WARRENPOINT Town’s battle to avoid relegation has been boosted by the return of club captain Francis McCaffrey from longterm injury.
The influential midfielder has been out of action since being stretchered off on the opening weekend of the season against Larne but he has now returned to full training and is ready to help the Milltown outfit in their hour of need.
McCaffrey’s comeback could be crucial as Town battle with Institute to avoid bottom spot in the Irish Premiership and automatic relegation. With eight games left, Warrenpoint are two points clear of their nearest rivals. If they stay there, Barry Gray’s men will face a play-off for their top-flight status versus the Championship runners-up.
Whether McCaffrey starts at Dungannon Swifts remains to be seen but expect to see him back on the pitch sooner rather than later.
The former Glentoran ace said: “I have been working hard behind the scenes trying to get my fitness levels up so it was nice to train with the lads again. Completing the first session was a relief. I was like a kid in the playground.”
In midweek, Dungannon moved up to ninth place with a victory over Ballymena United. Kris Lindsay’s side have shown fine league form of late and are safe from the drop having jumped 12 points clear of Warrenpoint.
“Saturday is a massive game against a team who have got a few good results,” added McCaffrey.
Warrenpoint boss Gray stated: “As always our priority is to try and increase the gap between us and Institute below us. This game provides us with an opportunity.
“Last time around we underperformed against Dungannon and things didn’t go our way. We know going to Stangmore is always difficult, however the boys are buzzing and looking forward to what could be a massive game for us in our bid for survival.
“We hope that with our added depth we can push on for the last eight games and try and secure that play-off spot we targeted in October when we first took over.”