Bohemians game confirmed

Last updated : 06 February 2008 By Tony Scholes
Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon
The Clarets will be facing the oldest club in the Republic of Ireland, a game arranged by Owen Coyle because of the free weekend following Coventry's progress in the FA Cup, and he believes there it will benefit us on three fronts.

"I know the Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon from playing alongside him in the Republic's Under-23 side, and I also know he will put out a side that will give us a competitive game," Coyle said.

"The Eircom League is a good standard and clubs there are building up to the start of their season. This therefore gives us a chance to play a competitive fixture when otherwise we would have a blank weekend."

He added: "It is also an ideal opportunity for some team bonding, while it allows us to take the name of Burnley Football Club over to a part of the world where we enjoy excellent links with the local community.

"Ireland has been good to Burnley in recent years and hopefully this game will encourage more youngsters to believe they too have an opportunity of making a career for themselves at Turf Moor."