I was ready to sign for Derry but when Rovers came it was a no-brainer

KAVANAGH HAS NO REGRETS LEAVING CITY AT THE ALTAR

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers Tonight, 7.45pm SEAN KAVANAGH knows he could have been a target for Brandywell boo boys had crowds been allowed in for this rearranged clash.

Three years ago, the winger was on the verge of joining Derry City from Fulham and was just waiting on the paperwork.

He was even on the RSC pitch warming up – but not registered – when the Candystripes faced Waterford in the opening game of the 2018 season.

But Shamrock Rovers spotted an opportunity and swooped at the eleventh hour for the Dubliner who was a Championship regular with the Cottagers at one stage.

Having won a league title last season and an FAI Cup in 2019, Kavanagh has no regrets about rejecting Derry.

“I was literally waiting on paperwork to come through from England and I was going to sign there,” he said ahead of tonight’s return.

“It prolonged and prolonged and Stephen Bradley and Stephen Mcphail got onto me. It was a no brainer because I’m from Dublin and Rovers are a big club.

“I’d been up in Derry for about a week, training with them. I had no other options and Derry was the only one.

“I was quite happy to sign there but yeah, I got a phone call from Rovers and it was a sliding doors moment.” Kenny Shiels was the Candystripes boss at the time and Kavanagh respects the current Northern Ireland women’s manager for how he handled the setback.

“Kenny (left) was really good to me and he looked after me,” said Kavanagh. “He picked me up for training and stuff like that, he put me up in a hotel.

“I haven’t got a bad word to say about him but he might have a couple to say about me as he thought I was signing!

“But I went up and told him I wasn’t. That’s football. It was a little bit awkward because he was good enough to try and sign me. But I’m happy enough the way it worked out so far and long may it continue.”

Kenny Shiels was good to me and I haven’t a bad word for him

Kavanagh’s appearance off the bench in September’s Europa League defeat to AC Milan marked his return from a 10-month injury layoff following knee surgery.

But the 27-year-old is flying again after two starts in the Hoops three league games to date this season.

“Last year was a time to reflect and you realise how much you miss it. So I’m talking every day, every game in my stride and just enjoying it,” he said.

“I’m hoping for a clear run and to play games and hopefully show people what I can do.”

Rovers are unbeaten after a win and two draws and rallied late on Saturday to force a point at the death away to Sligo Rovers.

Kavanagh added: “We did it the first game of the season against St Pat’s as well. But it’s good character to be unbeaten.”