Drogs' O'Brien ineligible to play
Drogheda United have received confirmation from UEFA that club captain Declan O'Brien is ineligible to play in this Thursday’s UEFA Cup clash with IK Start of Norway.
The Club had enlisted the help of the FAI in an appeal to UEFA headquarters but was informed today that their appeal had been rejected.
UEFA rules state that a player cannot not be added to the pre-match squad list for a second-round tie unless he has played in the first leg. The "24 hour rule" that was used in the signing of Tony Grant is not applicable in this case.
O'Brien, the clubs top scorer, had not played since July 2 when he suffered a serious injury in an accidental collision against Bray Wanderers. He returned to the Drogs line up against Waterford United last weekend an put in a Man of the Match performance, scoring one and assisting in another of Drogheda’s three goals.
Speaking on behalf of Drogheda United, PR & media officer Terry Collins admits that the club is disappointed with the turn of events.
"Everybody at the club is disappointed for the player but we have a large squad and it gives the players every incentive to get us the desired result that will take us to the next round," he said.
