Major boost for Dundalk as Boyle declares himself fit for Champions League clash

Dundalk’s Andy Boyle (left) with Richie Towell and Daryl Horgan on the flight to Minsk yesterday

Dundalk defender Andy Boyle has been declared fit for tonight’s Champions League second qualifying round first leg clash with BATE Borisov in Belarus.

The 24-year-old had been a major doubt for the game after limping out of last week’s 4-2 victory over Galway Utd at Eamonn Deacy Park with a calf problem.

However, he took part in light training with his team-mates at the Borisov Arena last night and should he come through today’s warm-up he will take his place at centre back alongside Brian Gartland.

Paddy Barrett is on stand by should Boyle fail to overcome the injury in time.

Stephen Kenny has an otherwise full squad to choose from ahead of the game, which gets underway at 6.30pm.

Dundalk FC arrive safe and sound in Belarus

Dundalk players Andy Boyle, Richie Towell and Daryl Horgan on this morning’s chartered flight to Minsk

Dundalk FC arrived safe and sound in Belarus this afternoon ahead of their Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie with BATE Borisov tomorrow (kick-off 6.30pm Irish time).

This morning’s flight to Minsk from Dublin Airport was delayed by over an hour as the pilot of the chartered plane had to restart its computer system.

Thankfully it hasn’t disrupted the club’s plans too much though with the squad due to train in the Borisov Arena around 5-5.30pm.

A number of supporters also travelled with the squad and have since checked in to their hotel in Minsk, which is about an hour from the ground in Barysaw.