Critchley relishing Eamonn Deacy Park clash

Ahead of Saturday’s 2pm clash between Galway United and a Liverpool XI at Eamonn Deacy Park, Liverpool underage manager Neil Critchley spoke to www.galwayunitedfc.ie from the clubs training base at FOTA Island in Cork on Thursday evening.

His young squad have been in Ireland for almost a week and they’ve already faced Premier Division opposition, beating Cork City 2-0 at Turners Cross.

Critchley is hoping for another productive outing at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday afternoon for the Reds.

“We arrived in Cork on Saturday morning, we played Cork City on Saturday night and we’ve had a week of training,” he explained.

“The facilities are unbelievable here, the hotel is fantastic and we’re delighted with the way things have gone so far.

“We’re conscious that coming out to this part of the world that there are many Liverpool fans, we received terrific support in Cork on Saturday evening and we knew they would give us a good test and they certainly did that.

“It was a real good game of football, played in a good spirit. The facilities and the pitch were top drawer and we were made feel very welcome. It was a great exercise and we’re hoping to have another one in Galway now on Saturday.”

A sizable crowd turned out at Turners Cross last week and Critchley is hoping for another large attendance on Saturday at Eamonn Deacy Park.

“The turnout was incredible, the conditions in terms of the weather wasn’t fantastic, but it just goes to show the pull that Liverpool has and it helps to show our players who they play for and how important the club is to people all-around the club. It was a great experience for our boys.”

Critchley was highly complimentary about the surface and facilities at Turners Cross and the former Crewe player has also heard good things about Eamonn Deacy Park.

‘Ive already looked up Eamonn Deacy Park, the pitch looks absolutely immaculate. That will be conducive to the style of football we want to play and that will really help our game.

“We’re hoping for another big crowd and another good game and we know this will be an invaluable experience for some of our younger players.”

KICK OFF IS AT 2PM AT EAMONN DEACY PARK ON SATURDAY.