I left a boy & return a man
BURNS ON EXPERIENCE IN ENGLAND
DARRAGH BURNS admits his time in England was “a bit of a disaster” but the new Shamrock Rovers recruit feels emboldened by it.
When he left St Patrick’s Athletic for MK Dons in the summer of 2022, Burns did so as one of the hottest young properties in the League of Ireland.
But the sobering reality of actually making it in the English game, amid heightened competition for places at League One level, soon hit home.
He had chosen MK Dons after a series of Zoom interviews with various clubs but couldn’t have predicted he would have four different managers during his time away.
Still, it wasn’t as if he was starved of action either, making 21 appearances in all competitions in his first season.
But that has dwindled to just two in the Football League Trophy this season.
An ankle injury during that run of regular games was another significant spanner in the works. And particularly so as he was on the treatment table and unable to make an impression when
Mark Jackson replaced Liam Manning, the manager who had signed him.
Burns – now 21 and who has joined Rovers on loan with a view to a permanent deal – said: “When I got the move I was delighted. I was 19 and it was always my aim to go to England.
“I did it but unfortunately it didn’t work out the way I would have liked. That’s football.
“When I went over the club was one point off Championship automatic promotion. It was a bit of a disaster. I don’t know what I can put it down to.
“Four managers in 18 months is a bit messy and I don’t think I was given a proper chance but I’m not complaining – it’s a learning experience. I went away as a boy and came back a man.”
Ireland U21 international Burns is now relishing the opportunity to make it big with Rovers, who had wanted to sign him before his move to England.
“People say it’s a big pond over there but coming back to Rovers is a massive opportunity for me,” he added.
“People can talk down about the League of Ireland but I’ve played in it before and I know the opportunity it can give young lads if you do well.”