Waterford FC striker Tommy Lonergan believes Saturday’s meeting with Galway United could prove a crucial battle as the Blues look to continue their recent resurgence in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Waterford travel to Galway with Graham Coughlan’s side enjoying a significant upturn in form, having built momentum in recent weeks and moved themselves closer to the teams above them in the table.

Galway currently sit six points ahead of Waterford, meaning a victory for the Blues would cut that gap to just three points.

Lonergan described Galway as one of the teams most closely matched with Waterford in the division.

“Galway probably are the most similar team to us right now in the league. I feel like it’s going to be an absolutely massive battle on Saturday.”

“They’ve got some seriously good players. They’ve got very big players, just like us. We’ve got very athletic players; they’ve got very athletic players.”

“I think whoever wins the battle will probably win the war.”

Despite the challenge facing Waterford, Lonergan believes the Blues can travel with confidence following their recent run of results.

The striker feels Graham Coughlan’s arrival has brought greater clarity and belief to the squad, with players now fully aware of their roles and responsibilities.

“I feel like it’s not just me. You can probably ask any player on the team right now; they feel much more confident in themselves. They know exactly what they need to do.”

Lonergan also praised the impact of several of Waterford’s recent additions, including John Mahon and Kevin Long, while highlighting the overall influence of Coughlan since taking charge.

“Generally since Graham came in, he’s taken the reins of the team. He’s very real with an iron fist, but I think all the lads take to it so well.”

“He has a clear picture of what he wants to do for a game, and we try and execute it. To be fair to us, we have executed most of the games he’s been in charge of.”

That growing confidence has helped create a sense of momentum around the Waterford squad, with Lonergan believing the Blues can continue to build on their recent improvement.

“We have a lot of momentum right now, and I think we can just keep building that and just keep going into every game and get more and more confident.”

Waterford’s leading goalscorer also believes his side may possess an advantage in the final third, with the Blues currently boasting the division’s top scorer in Lonergan.

“I feel like we’ve probably got a bit more quality at the top end of the pitch,” he said.

“So I feel like hopefully that will show on Saturday and we can get the win.”

Lonergan currently leads the League of Ireland Premier Division scoring charts with 12 goals this season and has played a major role in Waterford’s recent rise up the table.

The striker missed last weekend’s FAI Cup victory over Cobh Ramblers after falling ill, but says the squad has now recovered and is ready for the trip to Galway.

“There were a few boys that had a sickness, including myself. I was very sad to miss the game on Friday, but I was delighted to see the boys get it over the line in the end.”

“Everyone’s back fit. Even having McLaughlin come back into the team, I thought he was unbelievable when he came on the other day.”

“So yeah, we’ve got a full squad now, ready to go and give it our best show on Saturday.”

With Waterford continuing to fight their way away from the relegation places and close the gap on the teams above them, Lonergan knows the importance of Saturday’s encounter.

The Blues will be hoping their recent momentum, growing confidence and the goalscoring form of their leading striker can help them secure a vital result against Galway United.

Live on WLR

WLR will have live coverage of Galway United FC versus Waterford FC from Pearse Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off: 5:00 pm

COMMENTARY TEAM:  Ray Scott and former Waterford FC Manager Tommy Griffin        

With thanks to: John Murphy Carpets

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