Swifts relishing festive football fever: McElroy

DUNGANNON winger Paul McElroy has said he isn’t fazed by the busy festive fixture schedule.

The Swifts play five times in 18 days, starting at Crusaders today.

Some have criticised the packed programme, with Linfield boss David Healy among those to voice concern.

However, McElroy (24) is looking forward to the chance to play, and is hopeful of boosting Dungannon’s survival hopes.

The Swifts sit 10th — a point above the bottom two — ahead of this afternoon’s clash at Seaview.

And McElroy said: “As a footballer you enjoy the games — that is why we all play football.

“I probably wouldn’t enjoy training that much — I think the others would tell you that.

“It’s an important time for us. Yes, it’s Christmas and everyone wants to enjoy themselves, but more importantly for us it’s about playing football and getting points on the board.

“It’s a busy time and so much can happen. We have a real opportunity to get a lot of points on the board and to try and catch the teams above us.

“But it’s the same for the others — every team has a lot of games and they will also be looking to get as many points as possible.”

After today, Dungannon play Coleraine next weekend, before hosting Glenavon in their Boxing Day derby. On December 29 they face Ards, before a trip to Glentoran on New Year’s Day.

McElroy added: “We have a lot of games over the next two or three weeks, and it’s vital that we look after ourselves.

“Hopefully we can put another wee run together and try and get ourselves out of trouble.”