Jamie McGrath got off the mark for Dundalk FC this evening in the SSE Airtricity League and you feel there is more to come as he has well and truly established himself at Dundalk FC this season. The close season signing from St Patricks Athletic la
Jamie McGrath got off the mark for Dundalk FC this evening in the SSE Airtricity League and you feel there is more to come as he has well and truly established himself at Dundalk FC this season.
The close season signing from St Patricks Athletic last year is beginning to put a firm stamp on his own proceedings in Oriel Park as his focus to full time football is now at full tilt.
“It was great to get my first goal of the season and hopefully many more to come, it was a super performance from the boys. You can’t be too unhappy with a 5-0 win”
Following a frustrating night in Turners Cross on Friday night, which saw McGrath nearly clinch an opening goal for the Lilywhites early in the second half, a response was needed to show the Oriel Park faithful.
“It was a tough game Friday and it wasn’t the prettiest on the eye, the pitch wasn’t probably the best and we knew we needed to bounce back from the defeat and thats what the best teams do. We really showed that tonight.”
With Michael Duffy becoming a stand out player for Dundalk this season, McGrath feels training with the Derry native is a big plus for everyone on the side.
“He is up and down the wing, non stop for ninety minutes and show tremendous energy in every game. He has great qualities and he is a nightmare for defenders at the minute and long may it continue.
"His finish was one of the goals of the season, he is flying at the minute and lets hope he can continue that form.”
In football there is always the talk of the ‘second season syndrome’ that players either strive or suffer as they become part of a clubs fabric. As has been the case with players preceding him, McGrath has seen his second season at the club show supporters and commentators alike the real change and development of his game overall.
It would appear that the benefits of acclimatisation of the rigours of Oriel Park regime suit Jamie.
“I found in the early stages of last year it was a bit tough coming in. The physicality and the demands of playing in front positions with the high pressing play was tough. Maybe it was a bit different to what I was used to before but I have worked hard.
"It's like the case with a lot of signings here it takes maybe a while to bed in and get used to what everyone else is doing.
"It’s different here and this year it has been going well so far and its important to keep it up now and keep consistency.”
Jamie completed his degree at Maynooth University this time last year and has given this season to a complete dedication to football, something that could be seen as a benefit to his development.
“You don’t want to be heading back to lectures after a day of training, you have time now to go to the gym after training. It’s another weight off your shoulders and not worrying about exams.
"It's exam season at the moment and I know a few of my mates are flat out at the minute. It’s an absolute relief to not be in that position right now.”
Waterford are the next team to face the current league leaders, the men from the RSC were seconds away from a point in Oriel Park earlier this season only for a late late Pat Hoban side took all three points. Another tough contest in on the cards on Friday.
“They seem to be very strong in all departments this year. They have brought in some quality players and you saw the game up here was tight and they have taken points off Cork this year so it just shows that they are going to be in the race and mix for it as well.
"We know its not going to be easy and they have made (the RSC) a bit of a fortress so we are going to go there with a big game mentality.”
