Alex Bannon signs 12-month loan deal with Derry City

Alex Bannon is hoping to experience something much different than he’s used to at Derry City, and that’s challenging for trophies.

The 21-year-old has joined the club on a 12-month loan deal from Burton Albion, after coming through the youth ranks at Queen’s Park. He has more recently spent time at Airdrie on loan, and for most of his young career he has been fighting relegation. That, he is hoping, will all change now with a move to a new club in a new league in a new country.

"I've done my homework and I've watched quite a few games since I've known about this and I would say it's a step up from the Scottish Championship, especially with the target of going for Europe and playing against some really top teams,” he explained. “It does definitely have a different effect and a lot of the games. There's a lot riding on the outcome which puts a lot of pressure on players and I want to be playing in those high-pressure moments.

"That's what you want when you're younger, getting experience like that. Although I enjoyed my time at Airdrie, I thought it was great and I did a lot with the club, helping keep them in the league but I want to be at the opposite side of the table here and challenging for the title and for trophies.”

Bannon has already been training with his new team mates and becomes the second new arrival from Scotland after Adam Frizzell.

“I've loved it [training],” he said. “It's obviously a short period of time I've been here but the boys are brilliant. The coaching staff are excellent and I'm enjoying the people around the city as well.

"It's quite similar to where I was back home and it makes it feel a lot like home with a lot of familiar faces which makes it a lot easier.”

Bannon is in no doubt that he can contribute to Derry City this season, and is willing to play wherever his manager needs him to.

“I like playing multiple positions whether that is centre back, right back or in midfield,” he stated. “I like to have the ball at my feet and start things off and get the ball forward as quick as possible and into dangerous areas.”

“He's obviously watched a few of my games and seen the way I play. I can play in multiple positions and he knows that and knows the type of player I am where I'm not focussed on a single position. I am versatile and enjoy that I can play anywhere. Last season I played left centre back even though I'm predominantly right footed, so I don't mind. Wherever I am I always give 100 per cent and always stick to what I’m good at which is keeping the ball on the ground and playing nice, attractive football which I've grown up always doing, trying to split the lines and do the types of things we're trying to do here at Derry City which is another reason I wanted to join.”