DUFC

PAUL POSITIVE ABOUT FIR PARK ENCOUNTER

15th November 2002

On Friday afternoon, Manager Paul Hegarty was looking forward to Saturday's clash with Motherwell and was pleased with the performance of his team on Wednesday night in the CIS Quarter Finals. "The players worked extremely well, were focused and committed throughout the whole ninety minutes. They produced some good build-up play and Lilley finished well from twelve yards and then from the penalty spot. Plus, we kept a clean sheet at the back."

"Over the last five weeks the players have been excellent professionals, they've handled each game in the manner I was expecting from them and to standard that we've been looking for. The feeling at the Club is presently very buoyant and upbeat and rightly so; the players have been magnificent. We are now looking forward to our match tomorrow and go in with confidence. We know it will be tough encounter and I am sure Terry Butcher will prepare his players in the best way possible. As far as we are concerned, our passion and enthusiasm has to be relentless."

On the selection issue, Hegarty commented: "There is a slight doubt over the inclusion of Steven Thompson tomorrow following his injury on Wednesday night. He will undergo a fitness test in the morning and the physio will decide on our plan of action in this regard. Coming into the squad are Arnar Gunnlaugsson and Stephen Carson who both have done rather well in the Under-21s on Monday night versus Hearts."