Thomas Heary is ready to help Dundalk re-establish themselves as a top flight club - starting with this Friday when he will face his former club, Bohemians.

Heary is one of several ex-Bohs players who will line-out with Dundalk on Friday, as the Lilywhites begin life back in the Premier Division.

"It is an exciting time to be at Dundalk as they have just returned to the Premier Division and basically brought in a brand new squad with only four lads left from last year," said Heary.

"For me it is a new challenge and something I have been looking forward to since the move was first agreed. I really enjoyed my time at Bohs, but now I want to step on and do things with Dundalk.

"I've only played for two other professional clubs in my career, so this is certainly a challenge that I'm looking to do well in and it is quite an exciting one for me too.

"We know that it will be difficult to get results in this league, but that is the big test and we have some really good players that are ready to take it on."