O’Donnell praises ‘attitude’ of Pat’s side

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC boss Stephen O’Donnell says Friday night’s strong showing against Dundalk in Oriel Park was a testament to the hard work of his players during the lockdown.

The Saints matched the champions physically in a 1-1 draw – even though the Lilywhites were back in training a few weeks ahead of O’Donnell’s charges.

It was only in the dying stages that the away side began to feel the effects, but they are back in action tonight with Derry City coming to Richmond Park.

“I’m delighted with the attitude and the application of the players more than anything,” said O’Donnell. “I thought their fitness levels from having just a near-on pre-season after three months off was a credit to them and the way they’ve looked after themselves over this uncertain period.”

O’Donnell was thrilled with the contribution of new recruits Jordan Gibson (ex-Bradford) and Latvian David Titovs (ex-Brentford). Gibson was a handful in a central striking role. The availability of Georgie Kelly, a loan recruit from Dundalk, gives the manager the option to freshen things up against the Candystripes.

Gibson and Titov were signed on short-term deals on the strength of video evidence. The homework looks to have paid off.