Collie will do all he can for the Drogs after clinching title with UCD

TRIUMPHANT UCD manager Collie O’Neill insists he won’t do anything to harm his hometown club’s promotion chances as the Students prepare to face Drogheda United’s play-off rivals Longford Town in Saturday’s other key game.

Glenmore Drive native O’Neill clinched the Division 1 title with a draw against Finn Harps last Friday and UCD’s focus now turns to their FAI Cup semi-final with Dundalk the weekend after next.

In that context O’Neill might ordinarily be tempted to rest a few key players, but a Longford victory in the capital could see the midlanders snatch the final play-off spot if Drogheda fail to win in Cobh.

‘We’ll be using the Longford game as preparation towards the Dundalk cup tie and so it’s going to be a vital game for us,’ he said, ‘and I’ll do whatever I can to help Drogheda make the play-offs.’

O’Neill, who was offered the Drogheda United job before deciding to stay in south Dublin where he is now based, is delighted that his club will be plying their trade in the top flight next season.

‘It’s a massive big relief after a tough year,’ he said.

‘The main feeling is relief after being top of the league since the first week of the season.’