Colovic looks set to make early exit

STEFAN Colovic’s days as a Dundalk FC player could be coming to an end with the Serbian on the verge of departing Oriel Park after just one season.

The 26-year-old winger was signed by former Lilywhites boss Vinny Perth last February from Proleter Novi Sad but never really hit the heights expected having made just 15 starts and nine substitute appearances last season, scoring just once - a penalty in the 3-1 defeat away to Sligo Rovers after Perth had been sacked last August.

Colovic is under contract for next season but sporting director Jim Magilton confirmed to The Argus on Sunday that Dundalk were happy to facilitate an early exit amid reports that the player was home sick.

Colovic had spent most of the original lockdown in isolation having only made his debut six days before the league was shut down due to Covid-19 in the 4-0 win away to Finn Harps last March.

Confirming reports of the winger’s impending exit, Magilton said Dundalk fans unfortunately never got to see the best of Colovic.

‘Stefan is in negotiations with other clubs,’ he confirmed.

‘He has attracted attention from abroad and it’s just a case of waiting to see how that goes.

‘I think a set of circumstances have led him to this point and we probably didn’t see the best of him.

‘He’s obviously a very good player but unfortunately I don’t think Dundalk fans got to see the best of him and with the situation with Covid and I think the boy is particularly home sick.

‘The club are working behind the scenes to help him as much as they can. I think the club have shown great compassion to these lads as well. I think it’s an ongoing thing with him.’

Magilton also confirmed that he expected Will Patching, another Perth recruit from the last season, to depart despite also having a year to run on his deal. ‘I’ve had a conversation with Will and we’re waiting to hear back from Will so as it stands it’s a case pending for us and we’ll take it from there but it’s probably likely that Will will leave,’ he said.