| New signings included in squad for UCD clash |
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| Thursday, 03 August 2006 | |
 NEW signings Choice Aisien and Brian Cash are included in the Sligo Rovers squad for Friday night’s game against U.C.D. at the Showgrounds (Kick-off 7.45pm).
by Michael Moran, courtesy The Sligo Champion Aisien, a Nigerian under-21 international striker, joins from German Second Division side, Offenback Kickers, having previously featured in the Eintract Frankfurt youth team. Cash, meanwhile, was signed from Derry City last week and made his debut as a substitute in the three-nil defeat by Shelbourne at Tolka Park. A Dubliner, Cash spent time with Nottingham Forest, making several first team appearances and has been capped up to Republic of Ireland under-21 level. He was on trial with St. Johnstone in Scotland before Derry offered him a deal and he moved to the Brandywell. Cash failed to hold down a regular place in City’s first team and has been tracked for some time by Rovers manager, Sean Connor. “I am delighted to have secured both players as we needed to strengthen our squad,” he said. Aisien arrival at the Showgrounds was assisted by Derrygonaley-based agent, Gerry Cassidy. “When I looked at the quality and strength in depth of the Shelbourne squad, it showed just what level you have to be at in the Premier Division. “I have managed to bring in three players (Harpal Singh another recent signing) and that is it for this season. Hopefully, we can press on from here and maintain our push for a top four or five finish,” said Connor. Commenting on the defeat to Shelbourne, the Rovers boss maintained that the game turned on the sending off of central defender, Liam Burns, who was dismissed for a foul on Jason Byrne five minutes into the second-half. “Darren Mansaram had a chance to get an equaliser just before that, but in truth we never got into it in the second half. Conceding an early goal knocked us back a bit, but when we got in at half-time, I felt we could get something from the match. “I thought we were capable of better, but having a man sent off and then shipping another goal immediately afterwards meant that the game was gone for us,” the Rovers boss acknowledged. “Shelbourne are a vastly experienced team. They have played together for a while, whereas we are a young side. The players and I know the gap that is there, but I can’t wait to get back to Tolka Park to play them again next season to see just how far we have come,” Connor added. The Rovers boss is anxious that his side bounce back against U.C.D. and will be seeking revenge for a three-nil reversal at Belfield Park in May. “We have a point to prove. There is no way U.C.D. are a three goal better side than us and we need to show that. If you give them something to play for, they will hang on in there and make it difficult for you. “If is important that we pick up wins against the likes of U.C.D. to keep us in the top five. At the start of the season if anyone said we would be in that position, I would have bitten their hand off. I think we are way above what a lot of people expected and that is why we have to put the Shels result behind us and get on with the job of beating U.C.D.,” he said. |
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