ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC manager Liam Buckley does not expect striker Anto Flood to return from Australia anytime soon.
Flood, nicknamed ‘Bisto’, chipped in with ten goals to help the Saints clinch the Airtricity League Premier Division last season before revealing that he would be emigrating to Oz with his girlfriend over Christmas.
Pat’s sit joint top of the table with Cork City after Friday night’s 4-0 win over Athlone Town at Richmond Park, although the Rebels do have a game in hand.
Christy Fagan scored two on the night to bring his league tally to eight and he will need to keep that form up as manager Liam Buckley doesn’t see his former striker Flood coming back in the near future.
“We’ve checked out,” joked Buckley. “He’s in jacuzzis. He’s on the beach. He’s got girls in his arms. He’s got a pint in his hand. Honestly, that is what is coming back.
“He’s out with his girlfriend. They’re both working there. The weather is good, the drink is good… sunshine. I don’t know.”
Another front man, Mark Quigley, has been suffering with back problems in recent weeks but Buckley is hoping to give him a run when Pat’s face Athlone for the second time in four days tonight in the Leinster Senior Cup.
“He has had some physical difficulties so we’ve taken him out,” he added. “We’ll have a look at him in the game on Monday. It’s a good opportunity to get him a 90-minute training session/match under his belt.
“He’s a quality player, there is no two ways about it, he’s one of the best in the league when he’s fit. But when he’s not fit, you might as well not have him so we have to get him fit first.”
