Dundalk have plans in place to fly Michael Duffy to Latvia either later tonight or first thing in the morning.
But Lilywhites boss Vinny Perth insists his team will cope if the star winger’s travel plans fall apart ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash in Riga.
Duffy was due to travel with the squad on their charter flight to Riga yesterday morning but his partner, Emily, is due a baby.
He took a call at Dublin airport to say she was being admitted to hospital in a routine development and stayed behind in Ireland.
“We expect Michael to be part of the match day squad,” said Perth this evening, stressing the decision was entirely Duffy’s to make.
“He could be in tonight or in the morning. But we expected this and we have prepared with and without Michael in training over the last few days.
“Whoever plays tomorrow is ready.”
Chris Shields has the green light to start against Riga where the tie is finely balanced after last week’s scoreless draw at Oriel Park.
The midfielder shipped a facial injury in that game and had to come off but trained over the weekend and again this evening at the Skonto Stadium.
Perth said: “We’ve settled in well and everyone is really looking forward to the game.”
Experienced defender Dane Massey is tipped to start having been left out for the first-leg and he said: “The preparation has been excellent and we’re all raring to go.
“Lads are excited. I'm rooming with Daniel Kelly and the excitement from him on his first European away game is phenomenal and it rejuvenates you.”
Massey is confident of progressing to the next round and added: “We’ve played our best football in Europe away from home.
“We’re confident in our ability and the group we have here is probably the strongest we’ve ever had.”
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