Reds are up for Bohs test: Brady

KEEPER: Jack Brady. Pic: Sportsfile

Aidan Fitzmaurice

Shelbourne keeper Jack Brady says the in-form Reds have nothing to fear from Friday's trip to Dalymount Park after they claimed all three points from their first derby of the season.

Ian Morris' side, back in the Premier Division after a long absence, have adapted well to life in the top flight, enjoying 1-0 wins over Cork City and St Patrick's Athletic, while they also made champions Dundalk fight for a 2-1 win at Tolka Park.

Next up for Shels is a short trip to their rivals, and future housemates at a new Dalymount Park, Bohemians, but Brady believes that the confidence flowing through the veins at Tolka can aid them.

"A lot of our lads were playing in their first Dublin derby Friday and they came through with flying colours, so we have no reason to fear Bohs on Friday," Brady says.

"They have that derby experience, and a win, under their belts so I know they'll be ready to go to Dalymount and deliver against Bohs, it's a game we are looking forward to, we're not fearful going there," added Brady, his Shels side now in the top four.

"We are up to fourth but that's because we have been very confident in our approach, the gaffer (Ian Morris) and (assistant) Craig Sexton made a point of us going after teams this season," the keeper said.

"We are not afraid of anyone, we have scored in every game so far, we came out of the blocks in every game, and I think we will surprise teams this season.

"I know the season is about us consolidating in the division but we will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."

Boost

Brady has claimed two clean sheets in three games in his first top-flight campaign, a boost for his confidence.

"The gaffer said at the start of the season that he wanted us to be really solid and the rest would take care of itself as we have really good front players," he says, Brady delighted to have the protection of players in front of him such as Oscar Brennan and Daniel O'Reilly, as well as the central midfield warhorses Gary Geegan and Ryan Brennan, who left Pat's with very little space in Friday's win.

"We keep it very tight at the back, we try and minimise mistakes and it's worked really well so far, we have been really good.

"I only came to the club this year but as a team they are used to not conceding goals, they only conceded 19 last season and we'll look for more of the same this year, keep it tight at the back.

"We worked on our shape a lot in pre-season, it's working well so there's no reason to change."