McEleney relishing champions visit

The midfielder also concedes he knows that he has to perform well if he wants to stay in the City starting line-up.

Speaking ahead of this big game, manager Roddy Collins had this to say, “Coming off the back of what was a really good performance last weekend against Drogheda United, we have had a great week in training this week.

“I felt that we witnessed some good debuts. Ciaran Gallagher and Dean Jarvis were excellent and showed that the future is very positive.

“I expect another very tight and competitive game on Friday evening.

“St Patrick’s Athletic come to the Brandywell as champions and as with most sides they have added strength to their side in the off season, but I feel that we will be more than a match for them and if we can bring last weekend’s performance level and tempo, I can see this as our first home win of the season.”

There are no injury worries ahead of the game with Ryan McBride back and available for selection, but Barry McNamee and Jon Paul McGovern are still missing.

Sentinel Sport’s Editor Kevin McLaughlin spoke to McEleney just after training today.