Hartlepool: Irish link can pay off, says Sweeney
Tony Sweeney today insisted the Irish invasion can pay dividends for Hartlepool United.
Roy O'Donovan became the sixth player from the Emerald Isle to swell Pools' ranks after arriving on loan from Sunderland last week.
The pacy O'Donovan has looked bright in his opening two games for Pools and has had no problems settling into life at Victoria Park with Denis Behan, Joe Gamble and Leon McSweeney all former team-mates at Cork City.
Striker Colin Larkin and midfielder Alan Power make up the rest of the Irish clan at Pools.
And Sweeney believes the Irish lads can help spur each other on as Pools look to secure sufficient points to ensure their League One status.
"We'll be all drinking Guinness soon I think!" joked Sweeney.
"There's a few Irish lads and it helps they've all played together before at Cork City.
"I've not been at a new club but I would assume when you come in and know a few people, it helps you bed in that little bit quicker.
"Hopefully the Irish lads will help each other out."
He added: "Roy O'Donovan has not played a lot of football. But with the pace he's got, we know we can turn things round corners and over the top and we know we've got someone there who will chase the ball down and cause problems."
Only goal difference separates Saturday's opponents Southend United with the drop zone with the Shrimpers on a nine game winless run. Pools are three points better off than Steve Tilson's side with fellow strugglers Yeovil and Tranmere next on the horizon.
Sweeney is targeting maximum points from those games to avoid a nail-biting finish to the campaign.
"We need to get this done and dusted with as many games to go as possible," he said.
"I like to get it sown up early doors.
"Then we can leave the games that are left to get as high a position as possible.
"If we can finish mid-table, we'll consider that as a bit of an achievement because it's not been a great season so far and that will satisfy everyone before kicking on next season."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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