Blues squad still believe in European dream

Aidan Corbett

The Waterford FC squad still believe that finishing in the top four in the League of Ireland is a possibility despite a poor recent run of form.

Summer arrival Shane Flynn remarked on how the group is still upbeat and striving for consistency.

"There's still five games to go and anything can happen within those five games. We still have hopes of making the top four and potentially a European spot. That's been the goal since I've come in and we still believe we can achieve that but we need to start getting the results on a consistent basis to show that we deserve to be in that position come full time on the final day," he said.

Asked whether motivation for the Galway United match stems from the fact the Blues have not beaten the Tribesmen since late 2022 in a play-off semi final at the Markets Field in Limerick, the former Leicester City Development player of the year responded:

"I think the motivation going into the game doesn't really come from the fact that we have failed to beat them so far. I think it comes from the fact that we want to finish as high up the table as we can and potentially be in that battle for a European place."

"So taking three points off them (Galway) would be huge and obviously we want to finish the season as strongly as possible. So the motivation is there anyway," he added.

The versatile player thinks a result against the in-form Connacht side will send a message to the rest of the league.

"If we can go out and get a good result Friday night, I think that will be a statement of intent that we're going to finish the season as strongly as possible.

"100 per cent if we can win Friday night, it would send a message to the rest of the league that we're there to fight until the end of the season. 100 per cent there's a belief that we can still finish in the top four."

Blues striker Gbemi Arubi reflected on the mood amongst the squad after an inconsistent few months with the Blues winning just two matches since early August.

"The group is good, the group is tight and we're just focused on trying to get a result," he said.

The striker remarked on how the prospect of Europeean football is motivating the group.

"Of course, that's our main motivation right now. Europe is the number one thing we're looking at. We're confident. Training was good. Everyone's in a good mood."

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