UP FOR THE BATTLE

Hoban: No-one will call us bottlers now

PAT HOBAN says nobody should question Dundalk’s stomach for the fight. They wiped the floor with Cork City on Friday and the slender 1-0 winning margin did not paint a true picture.

They were magnificent and will look to take that form into tonight’s clash against a Saints side that won away to Bohemians on Friday.

Hoban pounced for the early goal that sank the Rebels and said: “A win like that gives you massive confidence. “You could say Cork were labelling us as ‘bottlers’ – but they won’t be labelling us as ‘bottlers’ any more.” Hoban continued: “Cork are the team to beat as they won the double. You can say you’re the better footballing side but no matter.

“They’ve won the President’s Cup and were three from three but we should have beat them comfortably. We won ugly and sometimes that’s the better feeling.” Threein-a-row winners before Cork pinched the crown last season, they want a bigger say in this title race. Hoban was with the club when they won the first of their three titles but returns this season after time with Oxford and Mansfield.

Yet the Galway man – who was the League of Ireland’s joint top-scorer in 2014 with 20 goals – revealed how he lost his confidence in England.

“I was doing well before January. I had a very frustrating last year in terms of not playing, injuries, little niggles,” he said.

“I’m going back a long way here but at Mansfield a new manager came in and the way football is over there, it’s ruthless.

“You get into a mindset and think, ‘this guy is never going to play me’ and your confidence goes.

“I’m normally a man who would never allow my confidence to go but it’s very hard. At least when you’re home, you’ve a family you can go to.

“I was lucky enough to have great company with my girlfriend over there, but football’s my life and when the manager’s still not picking you … “

“They have their favourites and that’s the way it is. I wasn’t getting a chance and I’m just happy to be home.”

Three goals in four league appearances speaks volumes and he added: “I’m here for two years so my aim is to win trophies and score as many goals as I can.”

Killian Brennan is a doubt for St Pat’s while Dundalk head for Richmond Park without John Mountney.