Key midfield duo passed fit for Tel Aviv showdown

DUNDALK have been given a massive boost ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Netanya Stadium with the news that both Stephen O’Donnell and Chris Shields are expected to be fit for the game in Israel (kick-off 6pm, live on eirSport).

O’Donnell was a doubt for the trip after limping out of the 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in Tallaght less than a fortnight ago, while Shields - who missed the clash with the Dutch outfit through illness - was also a doubt having strained his hamstring in last Thursday’s friendly victory away to Warrenpoint Town.

However, both players came through a training session in the AUL Complex in Dublin on Monday and manager Stephen Kenny told The Argus that he expects both to be in contention for Thursday’s crunch clash, which could yet see Dundalk reach the last 32 of the competition.

‘We have a fully fit squad to choose from really bar Shane Grimes who is out long term and Ciaran O’Connor who has an ankle ligament injury,’ said the manager.

‘Chris Shields should be back and Stephen O’Donnell came through 35 minutes of an 11 v 11 game today and could be added to the squad.

‘I wasn’t expecting him to do that but he will travel with the squad to Israel and both will train again on Wednesday in the stadium and we’ll decide then what happens,’ said Kenny.

While the defeat last time out to AZ was a blow and means Dundalk go into Thursday’s game needing Zenit St Petersburg to either beat or draw with the Dutch outfit to have any chance of advancing, Kenny insists things are shaping up better for his side this time around.

‘We’re better prepared than we were for the AZ game in terms of players training.

‘Dane Massey has trained this time and played a match so that will help him and Sean Gannon is flying at the moment.

‘Robbie Benson has another game under his belt, as does Patrick McEleney so these are all positives.’

While a score draw would be enough to see Dundalk into the last 32 of the competition should Zenit win away to AZ Alkmaar in Holland, Kenny insists it is his target to win the game.

‘We can’t worry about what’s going on in the other game,’ he said.

‘We just have to focus on winning our game to give us the best possible chance of going through.

‘We can’t say that a draw would be enough.

‘It really would be historic if we got through.

‘We’ve just got to continue to believe in ourselves. We’ve had a little setback recently but we’ve got to respond on Thursday and a win really would be quite sensational.’

While things are looking up for Dundalk, there is huge pressure on Maccabi with the Israeli press speculating at the weekend that coach Shota Arveladze could be sacked before Thursday’s game.

In their last five domestic matches, Maccabi have scored just twice, winning once, drawing once and losing three to leave them 10 points behind league pacesetters Hapeol Be’er Sheva.

While news of unrest in the Maccabi camp might be news to Dundalk’s ears, Kenny insists: ‘We just have to focus on ourselves.

‘I don’t know what may or may not happen there but they’re a good side with plenty of top attacking talent, including Tal Ben Chaim who is the star of Israeli football at the moment.’

Dundalk have been boosted prior to the game with the news this week that Gary Rogers, Paddy Barrett, Ciaran Kilduff and Robbie Benson have all committed to the club for next season but Kenny admits there is ‘still work to do’ to tie down others.

He also admitted that his potential transfer targets could be dictated by who comes and goes with Dylan Connolly of Bray Wanderers and Sean Hoare of St Patrick’s Athletic linked with possible moves to replace Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle should they depart the club.

Dundalk remain the only club in the Premier Division yet to announce a new addition to their ranks but Kenny insists he is happy with his business so far.

‘We want to get stronger again next year and keeping those four players is a huge plus in that regards.

‘Gary has showed his qualities in the last couple of weeks and is hungry to do well again for us. He is in really good form at the moment.

‘We’ve seen the best of Robbie Benson in the second half of the season and he has the ability to get better again next season.

‘Ciaran Kilduff has had his problems with injuries this season but he has still got 14 goals for us and some very big goals at that, not only in Europe but in the league as well. ‘He’s very underated I feel. ‘We’re also delighted to have Paddy Barrett back and I see him being a big part of the back four next season,’ he said.

There will be plenty more negotiations to come after Thursday no doubt. Progression to the last 32 of the Europa League would surely make those talks that little bit easier.

Chris Shields should be back and Stephen O’Donnell came through 35 minutes of an 11 v 11 game today and could be added to the squad. I wasn’t expecting him to do that but he will travel with the squad to Israel and both will train again on Wednesday.