Ruaidhri Higgins provides update on Ciaron Harkin's return

The combative midfielder has twice ruptured his ACL but has bravely built his way back to the brink of a second comeback.

There will be no risks taken as the club and the player ensure he’s fully ready for action when the time comes.

"He's getting really close,” said Higgins who provided an update ahead of the opening game. "He just needs a load of games. Whether we do that through friendlies or U20 matches, we need to make him robust and get a number of games into him before we consider putting him in and he will appreciate that. We need to be patient with him and also protect him on his way back. When he does get the opportunity we need to know he's ready for it.”