Number 10 shirt a good start for Jamie
SOCCER DUNDALK FC
HAVING been handed the number 10 shirt for the new season, new Dundalk signing Jamie McGrath is hopeful of guiding the club to the same kind of heights which the Lilywhites enjoyed last year.
The 20-year-old Athboy native completed his transfer from St Patrick’s Athletic on Sunday alongside Niclas Vemmelund.
He only learned his new squad number 24 hours later when he reported for pre-season training and while he is a different sort of player to its former holder, Ronan Finn, he is hopeful of having the same sort of impact at Oriel Park.
‘It’s only a number but I’m happy,’ he grinned. ‘It’s a good start anyway. ‘The transfer was ongoing for a while and I didn’t know where it would end up but I’m really happy that I’m here. It’s great to get it done.
‘This is a club I feel I can do well at. I seen last year what the club can do so it’s great now to be a part of it and hopefully we can do the same as last year.’
The Irish underage international was in attendance at some of the club’s European home matches last season and admits that has whet his appetite for similar big nights as he looks to add to his list of honours this season.
‘I was at a few of the European games myself up at the Aviva and I just wanted to be a part of it looking in.
‘Hopefully we can do that again now this year. I see no reason we can’t based on the players that are here.
‘I won two League Cups at Pat’s but you want to be winning leagues and FAI Cups. They’re the ones that matter and they’re the ones I’m here for,’ he said.
Stephen Kenny feels McGrath can play in as many as four different roles if required but the player himself is happy to fit in wherever he is needed.
‘I’m versatile enough so it’s really about wherever the gaffer sees me playing. We’ve had a bit of a chat so we’ll see what happens now throughout the year,’ he said.
McGrath’s arrival was helped by a familiar face in the dressing room with former Pat’s team-mate Sean Hoare arriving for pre-season shortly after him.
‘I thought I was nearly at Pat’s for a second when he walked in,’ laughed McGrath.
‘Killer (Ciaran Kilduff) was there as well the year before last so I’d know a few of the boys anyway and they’ve all made me feel really welcome.’