Connolly’s excited by Derry challenge
WHEN he swapped Bray Wanderers for Dundalk last month, Dylan Connolly admitted that the prospect of playing alongside Patrick McEleney was one of the appeals of a move to Oriel Park.
Now, having seen the Derry man in action up close, Connolly is even more impressed than he was before.
McEleney has been linked to numerous clubs in England in recent weeks, mainly in League One, but former Ipswich Town man Connolly reckons his teammate has the class to perform in the Premier League after watching him score another stunning strike with his 32nd-minute free against Limerick on Friday night.
“It’s Premier League stuff,” he said when asked about the goal.
“He’s definitely good enough for it. He’s unbelievable.
“It was just unbelievable. The fella, there’s no words for him. He’s just outstanding. The free kick itself, it went in so slow. It was so good.”
While McEleney has made an undoubted impression on Connolly, the winger is anxious to make one himself and was pleased to have contributed positively on the night, having won the free kick which led to Brian Gartland’s goal eight minutes after the restart.
“I always like to contribute and get forward and make things happen. That’s why the gaffer brought me in - to get at players, create goals and create chances.
“It was great to get 90 minutes.
“I’m five weeks here now and I feel part of the team. It’s always difficult coming in half-way through a season into a team, but I feel sharp, I feel fit and I feel very welcome by all the boys, so it’s good.”
Connolly changed jersey numbers before the game, taking the number 16 vacated by Ciaran Kilduff, having previously worn number 23 following his move from Bray last month.
Asked about the jersey, Connolly said: “I wouldn’t call it lucky, but I had it at Shelbourne and at Bray, so when it came available I just said I’ll take it.”
The 22-year-old hailed Friday night’s result as important to get the side back to winning ways ahead of back-to-back cup matches. He was forced to sit out Monday’s EA Sports Cup semi-final tie away to Galway United having been cup-tied after playing for Bray against Drogheda in the opening round of the competition.
While that was a blow, Connolly hopes the fact he has extra recovery time can put him in manager Stephen Kenny’s thoughts for Sunday’s FAI Cup clash with Derry City at Oriel Park.
“We hadn’t won since before Europe, so it was key to get back to winning ways and we done it in style tonight, winning 3-0. I think everyone worked hard and it was a good result. The team is full of confidence as well now and we’ll use that to push on for the cup game.
“I’ll just get myself ready for Sunday against Derry. I’ll get a longer recovery, so hopefully it’s in the manager’s mind. I’ll just train hard again this week and get extra sharp and be ready for Sunday.”
The Irish underage international has never played at the Aviva Stadium but admits it would be his dream to line out there on FAI Cup Final day this November.
“As a player that’s where you want to be. You want to be on the big stage playing in the Aviva and you want to win titles and cups. That’s why I came here.
“Cup games are always special. Hopefully we get a great crowd here to get behind us as the 12th man.
“It’s two sides on form and two very good sides. It’s going to be very exciting and I can’t wait for it,” he said.
As a player that’s where you want to be. You want to be on the big stage playing in the Aviva and win titles and cups. That’s why I came here.