Luke: Oval is perfect place to rejuvenate my career
NORTHERN Ireland international Luke Mccullough says he hopes a move to Glentoran will achieve the double mission of revitalising his career and firing the east Belfast side to better days.
The 26-year-old was at Tranmere Rovers before the Covid-19 pandemic edged him towards a move back home.
Although there has been the high of six international caps and the Euro 2016 finals in France, the former Manchester United youngster has had to deal with the mental anguish of a cruciate knee injury.
The man who spent six years at Doncaster is now bringing his considerable experience and quality to The Oval, where boss Mick Mcdermott is trying to build a trophy-winning machine.
With the Irish Cup back in the trophy cabinet and a Europa League clash at home to HB Torshavn tomorrow, it feels like the beginning of a special chapter in the club’s history and McCullough can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve settled in well and when you start playing matches it’s like you have been here for years,” said Mccullough, who started his career with Loughgall Youth.
“At the start of the lockdown I was unsure about staying in England and the longer time passed I considered the coming home option. The Glens were interested straight away and then I made a decision.
“It wasn’t simply a football-related decision. My girlfriend Amy works in Portadown as a primary school teacher and in my last few years in England I have been largely on my own and suffered a few injuries.
“It’s just not all it’s cracked up to be over there sometimes. I was there for the last few seasons but then became settled at home again since the lockdown.
“I spoke to the manager and liked the plans for the club. As soon as I met Mick that picked up my interest and it’s an exciting time to join Glentoran.
“The Glens have always been a massive club and the sky is the limit for them. If we can start the season well and bring the fans back in, there are only good times again for the club.”
It feels very much like a fresh start for Mccullough, whose father Dean played for Glenavon and Portadown.
From once playing in the Doncaster Rovers reserve team alongside One Direction pop star Louis Tomlinson, he can reflect on a career which has hit high and low notes.
“Injuries were tough for me and without them I would have found it easier in England,” he added. “The last few years have brought uncertainty and the knee injuries affect you mentally as well as physically.
“But I’m only 26 so I’ve a lot more to offer but Northern Ireland is not on my mind. I loved being part of the squad, especially at the time of the Euros, but my total focus is on Glentoran.
“The only way I would ever be considered for the squad is through good performances with Glentoran and that’s my main aim.”
Mccullough’s versatility is another asset for the Glens; while he has been playing just in front of the back four, he started his career as a centre-half.
“I enjoy both roles and it’s up to the manager how he wants to use me,” he added.
“I’ll see whatever he thinks at the time.”
He added: “Europe is massive for Irish League clubs and there’s a game against Motherwell if we can win this one but we aren’t taking HB Torshavn for granted. We have watched clips of them and this won’t be a walkover by any stretch of the imagination.”