McCabe keen to make an impact
WHEN it was announced that former Rangers player Rhys McCabe signed for Sligo Rovers, eyebrows were raised.
Fans of Dunfermline were surprised to learn that McCabe would opt to join a relegation threatened League of Ireland team rather than stay on there.
But when McCabe learned of Ger Lyttle’s interested in him, he was keen to learn more. And having visited The Showgrounds and spoken to the manager, he decided this was the right move for him.
“It was a bit last minute. I had a deal in place with Dunfermline, it was getting close to signing and the manager had shown an interest in me so I flew over and took in one of the games and just got a general feel for the place and I liked the way the manager handled it and showed an interest. I felt this was the right move,” he told The Sligo Champion.
Despite admittedly knowing very little about the league, McCabe contacted players he knew who had plied their trade over here at some stage.
“To be honest I wasn’t too aware of the League of Ireland before I came but I do know a few players, who I’d played against and friends. I spoke to players in Scotland who had played here, like Liam Buchanan who played here about the club. He had nothing but high praise for the club and obviously after speaking to the manager, he’s trying to push the club in the right direction.”
And the 24- year- old is hopeful that he can lend a helping hand to get Rovers out of the danger zone.
“I hope I can. The manager’s not been in long, I think once the team gets behind his method it can take that positive step and build what he’s trying to achieve here, if I can go in and help in anyway than that would be great.
“The training’s very good. When I came over, the manager’s philosophy is suited to my style of play, getting the ball down and passing and moving. The intensity is there. The foundations are there so it’s just about getting that right on a match day.” And he cannot wait to get going. “That’s the thing, not being able to play until July is a bit of a kick but there’s nothing I can do. The season finished in Scotland in May so I’ve had a few weeks off, that time- frame I can use that to adapt and get used to training so that in July 1st I’m ready.”