Bohemians v Drogheda Utd: THE MENTAL strength of his players, as much as the strength in depth of his squad, is something Pat Fenlon feels Bohemians have got just right.
Both will be tested to the full again tonight as Bohemians seek to reopen a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table when they face champions Drogheda United at Dalymount Park.
"We are in a strong position and we can put pressure on the chasing pack by getting a good result against Drogheda," said manager Fenlon, who is without Anthony Murphy and Stephen O'Donnell, both suspended after being sent off during Friday's 2-0 win at Galway, which stretched their unbeaten league run to 20 games.
"There is still a full series left and that's a lot of football to be played," added Fenlon. "We have to try to keep winning our games and getting the maximum return.
"It's not an easy thing to do as playing two games a week can drain players physically but it often takes a toll mentally as well. Our players will have to dig deep to take the three points (tonight)."
Defenders Ken Oman (ankle) and Jason McGuinness (knee), along with midfielder Glenn Cronin (knee) remain out injured. But Fenlon is confident he has the squad to cope.
"We have some injuries and suspensions to contend with, but we have a strong squad and the team can be changed without weakening it," he explained. "We brought some players in during the July window and I'm very happy with the way things have turned out.
"There's very strong competition in the squad now and it's bringing the best out the players.
"The likes of Mindaugas Kalonas and Gary Deegan give us options we didn't previously have so we are capable of rising to challenges posed by injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion."
Having been knocked out of the FAI Cup by Bohemians 12 days ago, Drogheda - 10 points off third place - have even more at stake as they strive to break into Europe for a fourth successive year.
Goalkeeper Jamie Ewings and defender Graham Gartland, sent off in that cup defeat, return from suspension, while manager Paul Doolin is confident midfielder Shane Robinson will be fit following a knee injury.
Doolin was pleased with his side's display despite only drawing 1-1 at home to Shamrock Rovers on Friday.
"I thought we were excellent; we really should have won. We dominated the game for about 80 minutes, and we created a lot of chances. I think we had that spark that we were missing last time against Bohs. I've told the players, if they play like that week in, week out, I can have no complaints.
"There's still so much to play for. It's going to be close among the top few teams, and we have to do everything we can to be in amongst them."
St Patrick's Athletic midfielder Keith Fahey, meanwhile, has refused to be drawn on mounting speculation linking him to a move across channel.
English Championship side Leicester City are believed to have watched Fahey in Sunday's 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers. Derby County, Birmingham City and Reading have also been linked to the 25-year-old Dubliner.
"I can't really say much on that," said Fahey. "I'm here until something else happens. If not, I'm happy here.
"I've two-and-a-half years left; I signed a three-year deal last December. If something came up that suited everyone then it would suit me to go, but until then I have nothing to say on it."
Manager John McDonnell insisted no approach had been made: "Nobody has come in, nobody has spoken to us. It's still speculation. But if the right move comes for Keith, and if it's right for us, then well and good," he said.
