Newly-promoted Sporting Fingal face the ultimate test on Friday night when they open their Airtricity League top-flight campaign at title holders Bohemians (7.35pm).

The meeting of the reigning Premier Division and FAI Ford Cup champions presents a number of intriguing sub-plots, not least the return of Fingal’s close-signing Glen Crowe to the club he helped win back-to-back titles.

It’s also the first-ever meeting of the clubs in any competition and will be eagerly anticipated.

Fingal manager Liam Buckley is understandably excited about making the short trip to Dalymount, abeit conscious of the quality possessed by the Gypsies.

He said: “This is the stage where we want to be and our lads are geared up for this test. We’ve prepared well in pre-season by playing five friendly matches and all eight new signings have featured at some point in those.

“We’ve kept the bulk of last season’s squad together which was fairly young as the average age of our FAI Ford Cup final side was 24.

“Therefore, it was vital we added some top-flight experience to the group and, in the regard, I’ve been delighted with the acquisitions of Glen Crowe, Shane Barrett and Ger O’Brien.

“Our aim during this first foray into the Premier Division is to consolidate. Friday night’s game must be kept in context as we finished third in the First Division last season whereas Bohs have been the top side in the Premier for the last two years.

“In my view, they have by far the strongest squad in the country. Despite losing two of their players to cross-channel clubs, they’ve strengthened up with some key signings and will be the team to beat this term.”

Equally, Fingal winger Conan Byrne is looking forward to the game. He said: “Dalymount Park is the home of football in Ireland with probably the best surface across the country and any player would relish the opportunity of lining out against the Champions.

“We have to play Bohs four times in the league anyway, so the timing of the fixture is irrelevant for us in my opinion.

“We just want to go there and give a good account of ourselves. Last year, we overcome top-flight sides Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers in Cup matches but this is a much bigger proposition.”

In team news, John Frost is the only absentee due to a calf strain. The defender resumed full training ten days ago but is still short of match-fitness.