Finn Harps pair Cowan and Hiemer good to go against Galway

Finn Harps have no injury concerns ahead of Friday night’s eagerly anticipated League of Ireland First Division opener against Galway United.  

Captain Keith Cowan, who recently returned to the club, suffered a nasty looking cut to the to head in last weekend’s 2-0 friendly loss away to Sligo Rovers and had to depart the fray. However, boss Dave Rogers says the experienced central defender is good to go. 

“Keith is fine - it was a cut but there were no concussion concerns or anything like that. In fact he was prepared to get stitched up and come back on. But with the league starting this Friday, we just held him off. He wanted to come back on.

“But the thing with Keith is, we plan to manage him. He will be vital for us this term. We’ve catagorised a programme specifically for Keith. He knows how to look after himself so there is no need for him to be doing the same thing as the younger boys. 

“He will always be there, present and around the place but we’ll make sure his work is tailored and specific to him”.

Meanwhile, first choice goalkeeper Tim Hiemer was absent from the squad at the Showgrounds. But the manager moved quickly to allay any concerns that the German stopper could be absent for the visit of Galway.

“Precautionary - that’s all it was. One eye was on this coming weekend.  And preseason is what you make of it yourself. We wanted to get a certain amount out of it and our way was having a look at everyone. 

“Some sides looked to go all out, win every game. And there is nothing wrong with that. For us, with the new approach, it was about how we wanted the squad to play, play in possession, out of possession, play in transitions.

“We won two, lost two and drew two. So it was a mixed bag but the message is slowly getting itself across. And that’s pleasing. 

“We weren’t going to risk Tim in a preseason game so close to the league opener. Young Oisin (Farrell) has come in there in goal and he was excellent. I’m honest enough to tell you that as we speak, no one has been ruled out for Friday night.

“Yeah, we’ve had some minor things that needed managing. But come Friday, we expect everyone to be available”.