UCD manager Martin Russell was clearly disappointed following Tuesday’s nights 2-1 defeat to Bohemians but knows his side are capable of staying in the Premier Division.

“We just don’t want to make up the numbers”, Russell said. “We just want to do ourselves justice. We played ever so well last season to get into the Premier. We want to keep progressing, as these young lads can progress, we’re trying to encourage and not to accept giving the ball away cheaply.”

Despite the defeat, Russell was glad to have defender Evan McMillan back in the team. “Having Evan McMillan back, his first game back, with some heroic defending from him. There are some positives to take, definitely”, he said.

Greg Bolger’s red card was a turning point in the game, but Russell was quick to stand up for Bolger. “It was a disappointing aspect of the night”, he said. “Greg (Bolger) is a good lad, he trains ever so hard. He’s been part of the club for a couple of seasons now, I’m sure he will learn from it.”

Russell knows that there is a lot of hard work ahead for his side but is keen to see progression in the team. “We need to work on maintaining the ball a bit better and giving them (defenders) a breather and be more of a threat going forward, which we’re more than capable of doing”, Russell said.

“As I said at the start of the season to all of them, it’s a great opportunity for them. I thought we were a bit nervy tonight and I think as the season goes on hopefully you’ll see them progressing.”