Important to focus on league in meantime

DUNDALK defender Dane Massey insists his side must put thoughts of Europe on the backburner for the time being and concentrate on their three league matches before the start of their Champions League campaign.

The Lilywhites were paired with Icelandic champions FH Hafnarfjarðar in Monday’s draw for the second qualifying round in Switzerland and while it would be easy to get caught up in preparations for that game, the left back says the team must remain focused on their upcoming games against St Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City and Longford Town.

‘Our last league game was against Cork and we lost so we want to make that right against Pat’s on Friday.

‘There’s two difficult games coming up with Pat’s and Derry. The Champions League will look after itself but our main focus is the league now.

‘This is a very important stage of the season because this is where points can be dropped. We’ve to keep our heads down and just focus on one game at a time.’

After an extended break during which the squad travelled to Portugal for a week long training camp, Massey insists he and his team-mates are itching to go as they look to put the 1-0 defeat away to Cork City just before the break behind them.

‘We really enjoy playing he said.

‘Usually the games are good against them. Obviously in our first year together they won the league and there was a bit of bite there and I believe that it’s Pat’s,’ still there so we’ll be looking forward to playing them on Friday night.

‘It was a great break, we had a week off and a week in Portugal but we just can’t wait to get going ‘The camp went really well and we got a lot out of it to be honest. The fitness levels were great. It was different training in the sun every day and we all enjoyed it and got a lot out of it so it was a brilliant experience.’

Asked about FH Hafnarfjarðar, Massey admitted he knew little about them but insisted it was a better draw on paper than last year’s pairing with BATE Borisov.

‘To be honest with you we don’t know a whole lot about them,’ said the 28-year-old.

‘They’re from Iceland and they’ve won the league seven times out of the last 12 so they’re going to be good opposition. They’re technically good we’re hearing so by no means is it going to be an easy feat but the gaffer is going to send a few lads over to have a look at them and get our homework done.

‘Compared to last year where we got BATE Borisov, who were renowned for being in the group stages year in, year out it’s a better draw. Iceland are happy I’m sure they got us though so we just need to do our homework now and see what type of game they play and how they are.

‘We’re looking forward to it. It’s a highlight of the year, everybody looks forward to the European ties and I’m sure the whole town was looking this morning to see who we got so it’s an exciting time in the season for us and the followers,’ said Massey.