Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny is in bullish form as his side prepare to face FH Hafnarfjordur in the Champions League this evening, with the tie delicately poised.
The Icelandic champions and the SSE Airtricity League kingpins played out a 1-1 draw at Oriel Park in the opening leg, meaning Dundalk must score at least once to progress, but their manager believes his charges possess a potent goal threat.
"We don’t rely on individuals, we’ve goals right throughout the team," Kenny insisted.
"But big European goals are hard to come by.
"It’s a big test for us and one we’re really ready for. Hopefully we can come out the right side of this."
Dundalk supporters can take heart in the fact that the Lilywhites boast a good record away from home, a fact not lost on the Dundalk boss.
"We’ve scored a lot more goals away from home than we have at home and we’ve five goals in our previous three European away games.
"The players can take confidence from that.
"When we’ve had those winner-take-all games, it’s seemed to suit us in the past."
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Centre-half Brain Gartland misses the match due to a wrist injury sustained in the first leg, with Paddy Barrett set to deputise.
"Paddy Barrett is only 22, he came from Waterford and had a spell with Galway United," Kenny said.
"In his introduction last season he experienced coming into Dundalk, a title-wining team, and that was an eye-opener for him.
"He played in the game against Shamrock Rovers to win the league, scored a goal in the FAI Cup quarter-final from centre-half and in the semi-finals he scored a goal.
"A lot of big goals he got for us. This season I think his game has come on leaps and bounds, he’s really been impressive."
Gartland and Andy Boyle’s centre-half partnership has resulted in Barrett struggling for first-team action, but Kenny has no doubts about thrusting the prospect into the spotlight.
"Brian and Andy Boyle have been mainstays of our defence, so it’s been hard for him and it’s been frustrating for him, but even though he hasn’t been in the team regularly he’s kept his fitness levels up, which is a great credit to him," Kenny added.
"He’s in terrific condition.
"Mentally, I think he’s really come on from last year and developed as a person.
"I feel he’s absolutely ready, I’ve no qualms about him playing at all."
