McCarthy doubt for League Cup final - January 24, 2001
St. Patrick's Athletic v UCD, 19:45
Striker Ger McCarthy is rated as an extremely doubtful starter as St. Pat's go in search of the first trophy of the season in tonight's League Cup final first leg against UCD.
McCarthy returned to the Saints team against Bray on Friday after missing the previous match with an ankle injury. But he had to leave the field early when he suffered a recurrence.
Jamie Harris and Michael Holt will dispute McCarthy's jersey if he fails to make it: Harris deputised against Kilkenny a fortnight ago and Holt came on against Bray when McCarthy retired. Otherwise, manager Pat Dolan picks from a full deck.
Dolan is not underestimating UCD, despite their lowly league position.
"They were the fourth best team in Ireland last year. Games between UCD and St. Pat's tend to be very close and hard-fought and I'm sure this will run to form. But I am desperate to win this final."
Given their relegation battle, UCD will be equally desperate to win, if not more so. Mean and well organised at the back, their problem has been finding the net.
Veteran striker Derek Swan made his debut against Galway at the weekend - but the Students drew yet another blank and manager Martin Moran will have to go back to the drawing board for tonight.