Athlone Town boss Aaron Callaghan is without the trio of Eric Molloy, Michael Harney and Robert Shine for the clash with Monaghan United at St Mel's Park tomorrow night. All three are missing through a suspension carried over from last season.
Des Hope is carrying a slight hamstring strain and is doubtful. Monaghan's squad will include Brendan Markey, Shane Jackson and Stuart Holt, all of whom moved to the Ulster club during the close season from Athlone. Graham O'Keeffe, who was on loan at Century Homes Park last season, will line out for Athlone.
Callaghan said: "With the new format of 3 teams getting promoted, I will be quietly confident of our squad challenging. The league will be very competitive with nearly all clubs signing new teams. It is important that we can get of to a good start to build momentum for the season ahead."
"I still stress the need for everyone connected to the club to look at the bigger picture of putting proper structures in place in order to take the club forward. That vision will enable us on and off the park to sustain a competitive position in the top flight once promotion is achieved. I would encourage all the supporters to get behind the team," he concluded.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
