PAT’S ACE’S BODY NOW ‘A TEMPLE’
V St Pat’s
Sligo Rovers
Tonight, 7.45pm
BY MARK MCCADDEN
BILLY KING has swapped wild nights out in Temple Bar for the quiet life in Celbridge.
King’s only previous experience of Ireland - prior to his arrival at St Patrick’s Athletic - was when he flew over for Christmas parties with Inverness and Dundee United team-mates.
But now in his third season at Richmond Park, the Scottish winger has had the chance to experience more of this country than boozy nights in Dublin’s famous party district.
“Ever since I came here I’ve loved every minute of it. Obviously the boys, the changing room, everything has been class,” said King, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Thursday.
“I live with the boys in Celbridge, it’s two minutes to the training ground. We go for coffee after training. It’s been refreshing coming over to Ireland.”
King insisted that he always behaved himself during Christmas trips to Dublin.
He added: “You know what a night out is like - Temple Bar drinking all the time. Obviously you don’t see much of anything else.
“But ever since I came across, living in Celbridge, I love living there. It’s a nice quiet town, probably better than living in the city centre and being distracted by things.”
The former Hearts man arrived in Ireland in early 2020, at the start of the Covid-hit season, seeking an opportunity to fall back in love with the game.
“I wasn’t enjoying it. I was out injured for a while. I signed for [Greenock] Morton. I got another injury,” he explained.
“I wasn’t playing and then I got the offer from Pats. Pre-season was in January which was what I needed to get back fit.
“A change of scenery as well, different league, different players, working with different people. I started to enjoy my football again.”