League is ’Stutegaffer’spriority

Institute gaffer Paul Kee may be forced into making changes to his side for next week’s NW Senior Cup Final, against Newbuildings United.
Jack Higgins pictured on the ball for Institute under-19's during their match against Ballyclare Comrades. INLS4313-126KMJack Higgins pictured on the ball for Institute under-19's during their match against Ballyclare Comrades. INLS4313-126KM
Jack Higgins pictured on the ball for Institute under-19's during their match against Ballyclare Comrades. INLS4313-126KM

The Drumahoe man acknowledges that securing a piece of silverware would be great, promotion is his number one priority.

“We should have a strong squad, but the problem is we have one or two players like (Darren) McCauley, (Michael) McCrudden and (Paddy) McLaughlin who are carrying niggling injuries, so we have to manage those players,” admitted Kee.

“All the players are putting a big effort in and hopefully we can get the players fresher for firstly Saturday’s match against Loughgall and then it will all depend how they are feeling for the Newbuidlings game.

“I know the committee and supporters will be expecting a strong side and we will definitely select the strongest team available, but if we have one or two niggling injuries then those players won’t be risked because the league is priority.”

Kee also admits that if called upon he has faith in the young players in his squad and he’s expecting an entertaining encounter next Tuesday evening.

“I don’t mind introducing a few of the younger players like Ryan Varma who has been in and around the team in the last while, as has Jack Higgins, Jordan Armstrong, Jamie McIntyre and Ronan Doherty, they are all capable young players and could be involved if needed,” he added.

“It will be a good game and if we can play to our maximum then we’ll have an opportunity of winning the cup, but again it’s really about us and what we do on the night.

“Hopefully there will be a good crowd with a bit of an atmosphere, there was a good atmosphere in the last game and I’m sure Newbuildings will want to get pay back for that defeat in the Craig Memorial Cup.”

The Drumahoe club will be without striker Darren McFadden through suspension, while John Curran and Stephen Parkhouse have returned to training but aren’t expected back for a number of weeks.

Admission to next week’s game is £5.

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