Finn Harps host Limerick in the first leg of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division promotion/relegation play-off at Finn Park tonight (7.45pm).
Harps produced a terrific run in the second tier to finish second, and saw off Drogheda United in a play-off to reach this stage.
Ollie Horgan’s side arguably go in favourites to get the better of their Premier Division opponents, given the weakening of the Super Blues squad in the latter part of the season.
That isn’t the way Horgan sees it, however.
He said: "We will be up against it but it’s a challenge we have to be up for if we’re serious about promotion.
"The lads have put in a really big effort all season but all that will be for nothing if we can’t pull off a result that keeps our chances of promotion in the melting pot for the game in Limerick next Friday night.
"We know Killian Cantwell and Danny Morrissey well from their time with us last year. They have another lad Barry Maguire who has played at a decent level in Holland.
"Then you have Shane Tracey, Billy Dennehy and Shane Duggan who have lots of experience in big games.
"So it’s going to take a massive effort from our lads to get something out of this game. Gareth Harkin, Paddy McCourt, Mark Timlin, Nathan Boyle and Mark Coyle are all carrying injuries [and are doubtful].
"But, we won’t be making any excuses. We have lads who have been on the bench who can come in and do a job for us.
"Everyone at Finn Harps is really looking forward to the game. Again we would appeal to our fans to give the players a really big vocal support right trough the game.
"Hopefully that, a big performance from the team and a bit of luck will see us still in with a decent chance, before we go to Limerick for the second leg."
Barrett’s outfit were much-changed for the 4-1 defeat to Waterford last Friday night, but are still struggling with injuries. A team news bulletin has not yet been issued.
