O'Connor Adamant That Resting
Players Is The "Right Thing To To"
by Kevin O'Neill  ATHLONE
TOWN manager Michael O'Connor has defended his decision to
rest some players during his team's recent league games -
preferring instead to focus on the upcoming FAI Cup quarter-final
against Shamrock Rovers.
Although reaffirming a desire to finish as high as possible
in the league, O'Connor believes his recent selection strategy
will help Athlone when the cup game comes around on this Saturday
week, Saturday 30th.
Last Friday against Limerick FC, Des Hope and Ian Rossiter
were among those missing from Athlone's team. Both have been
carrying knocks in recent weeks and O'Connor feels they need
a little break before the cup game. He feels his selections
are for the benefit of the club in the long-run and while
keen not to disrespect the First Division, expresses a clear
desire to concentrate on the FAI Cup in the immediate future.
"I don't want to disrespect the league, and that's not
my intention and I want that clearly stated, but we have a
huge cup game coming up and I want to be in a position to
pick my strongest team for the Shamrock Rovers game,"
he said.
"Some people might not agree with it but we think we
can beat Shamrock Rovers with our strongest team and take
Athlone Town to a cup semi-final. I have given some lads a
breather in recent games because they are carrying injuries
and I want us to have a full squad available for Shamrock
Rovers. I think it's the right thing to do. The cup game is
hugely important for us and I feel our supporters and the
club deserve us to give Athlone Town the best possible chance
of winning it," he added.
Nonetheless, Stephen Gavin, Des Hope and Ian Rossiter could
come back into contention for a starting place against Finn
Harps in the league this Friday (St. Mel's Park, 7:45pm).
Eric Lavine will also be available following a one-game suspension,
but rising striker Noel McGee is unlikely to be risked due
to an ongoing ankle problem. Indeed, it's not certain O'Connor
will include any players who are nursing injuries.
"I want to beat Finn Harps, let's get that straight.
And whatever team I pick will give their all to achieve that.
But I don't want any players picking up injuries or stupid
sendings off against Finn Harps. I have no qualms about saying
that because I want us in top condition squad-wise for the
cup game," said O'Connor, who also confirmed Adrian Carberry
is currently on holidays, a holiday he had booked earlier
in the year prior to rejoining Athlone Town from non-league
club St. Peter's.
© Westmeath Independent
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