Long pleased with impact of Bohs recruits

Keith Long believes his Bohemians reinforcements have arrived in style after they made in three wins on the spin in all competitions in progressing through the FAI Cup first round last night.

The Gypsies saw off Finn Harps 3-1 as home goalkeeper James McKeown had a night to forget.

Long promised changes to his squad after a less than impressive first half of the season.

He also lost Dawson Devoy and Promise Omochere to England in this window.

As a result he has brought in eight new players to Dalymount Park.

James Clarke (Drogheda United), Laurenz Dehl (Union Berlin, loan), Jon McCracken (Norwich City, loan), Ryan Burke (Mansfield Town), Josh Kerr (Airdrieonians), Declan McDaid (Dundee), John O'Sullivan (Accrington Stanley) and Ethon Varian (Stoke City) have all moved to the north Dublin side.

McDaid found the net to open the scoring last night, while several other players have made their first appearances this month.

Long told RTÉ Sport: "We've had lots of new players come into the team. Declan McDaid makes his full debut, James Clarke who only trained with us for the first time on Thursday, but has been playing well for Drogheda every week, and he has slotted in really well. It was pleasing to see them combine for the first goal.

"Declan took it really well off his right foot and James made a lovely run between their two defenders. He delivered a good cross.

"The goalkeeper gifted us one or two which we're thankful for but we showed moments that we can pass and move it really well and we have some very good players.

"It looks like we have a little bit of depth to our squad now. Yes, we've lost a lot of players, really good players in terms of Dawson Devoy and Promise Omochere, but we also have added some quality and experience.