Stephen O’Donnell left enthused by the impact of Dundalk's new signings

Stephen O’Donnell was pleased with the input of his latest additions, despite Dundalk FC succumbing to a 2-1 SSE Airtricity League defeat away at Bohemians last Friday night.

The Lilywhites made three loan signings ahead of the closure of the transfer window last week – with Johannes Yli-Kokko, Wasiri Williams and Rayhaan Tulloch arriving.

Yli-Kokko, a 21-year-old attacking-midfielder who has joined until the summer from HJK Helsinki in his native Finland, scored a sublime debut goal against Bohs in the closing stages, but it turned out to be in vain, with Dundalk 2-0 behind at that point.

Tulloch, a 22-year-old forward who’s come in from West Bromwich Albion, played the final ten minutes at Dalymount Park, exhibited some neat touches and had a shot on target after being set up by Yli-Kokko, but his attempt was straight at James Talbot.

“You can see the quality,” enthused head coach O’Donnell. “I thought Rayhaan looked sharp when he came on too, really lively. Johannes, I thought, showed very good quality.

“It’s not an easy game. First away game of the season, big crowd. Bohs played quite direct, so it’s not an easy game to settle into, but I thought he showed good quality.”

Williams, a 22-year-old defender that can also fill in at right-back, has arrived from Swansea City, but watched on as an unused substitute throughout the Bohs defeat.

“And then Wasiri, obviously the way the game was going, we were pushing, we were making offensive changes. But he’ll add a big personality to that. He has good athleticism and good strength, physicality-wise. I’m happy with the group, I’m quite excited.

“As I said to them in there, Rayhaan was our eighth new arrival. We had three this week. That logic would tell you it’s going to take a little bit of time. It’s a new team, it’s a new squad. Again, we’re sort of starting a little bit over, but I think there’s good scope now.”

Yli-Kokko replaced a concussed Alfie Lewis against Bohs, but the latter should be okay to face former club, St Patrick’s Athletic, at Oriel Park tonight (kick-off, 7.45pm).

“Alfie got a bang in the head with the ball,” explained O’Donnell. “He was in the wall for a free-kick, so he just was a little bit sort of lightheaded and that. Obviously, we don’t take any chances in that regard, so he’s the only (fresh concern). All the rest, no injuries.”

However, Robbie Benson (pelvis) and Robbie McCourt (hernia) are doubts, while John Mountney (knee) had an operation last week and is expected to miss most of the season.  

With this Friday’s game against St Pats opening a 14-day period in which Dundalk will play four fixtures, O’Donnell is understandably satisfied to have beefed up his squad.

“I think you see there now depth-wise compared to last year, we have a lot of options now,” he added. “That’s why we wanted a squad like that, for the three games a week.

“We play obviously Pats Friday, Shels Monday, and then Derry away on Friday. That’s a busy week, and then Drogheda the following Thursday. That’s why we have the squad. We have a lot of options, so I think we’ll be in a strong enough position for them games.”