Jordan McEneff hoping to repay his captain for FAI Cup Final penalty gesture

Jordan McEneff is hoping he can repay Patrick McEleney for the FAI Cup Final favour which brought him his first goal for the club.

The 21-year-old was a very late substitute in the Aviva showpiece almost two weeks ago, but was immediately involved as he went through on goal only to be fouled by Shelbourne defender Luke Byrne. While some ventured that Cameron McJannet would try for his hat trick or that Patrick McEleney would take the spot kick, the captain insisted that the ball be given to McEneff in only his fourth appearance for the club. McEneff was delighted to be given the responsibility and became the first player to score his first senior goal in an FAI Cup Final since Eugene Noonan for Waterford almost 85 years ago.

“I thought I was going to score before I was taken down, so it was good to score the penalty,” he admitted. “To be fair, Fats was on the penalty so it was nice of him to give it to me. It was good for me because it gave me a bit of confidence. I don’t know if he did it for my confidence, maybe he did but it definitely helped and hopefully I can repay him sometime next season.”

The gesture was also appreciated by manager Ruaidhri Higgins, who understands why his captain made the call.

“I can understand why,” he said. “That shows why Patrick is such a great person and such a leader. Anyone who knows Jordan’s history over the last number of years, it’s been unbelievably difficult for him. I think it was a lovely touch because Patrick knew he has had a difficult time and knew what it would mean to him and hopefully it’s a kick start to his Derry City career.”

Show of faith

His first goal for the club and his first winners’ medal has now been followed by a new two-year deal at Derry City at the end of a very positive fortnight for the young midfielder, who is now very much focused on his future.

“As soon as the season finished, I spoke to the gaffer and I was buzzing that he wanted me here for another two years so I’m just delighted to get it done,” he said.

“It has been tough but I knew from speaking to Ruaidhri before I came in what it was going to be like. When I first came in, I think they won their first 10 games so I came into a team that was doing well so I just had to keep my head, train hard and get as fit as I could to get ready for whenever he needed me.

“I don’t think I’ve been fitter in the last five or six years than I feel now at the minute, so hopefully I can get a good off-season, stay fit and go into pre-season in good shape.”

With just four substitute appearances since joining the Candystripes back in August, McEneff can be forgiven for wishing the new season was just around the corner. But he will have to be patient, with another three months to wait before competitive football returns.

“I was saying to my ma and da that I wished the season was starting next week instead of next year, whereas the other boys are probably happy to have the break,” he laughed. “I think I’ll just take a week and a half and then keep training and go for it then in pre-season to make sure I’m ready. It’s just down to taking my chance if I get it and proving to the manager why I should be in the team. That’s all down to me.”

Rebuild

McEneff, who was released by Arsenal this year, is hoping to someday get back across the water, but he must first build his own brand back home with Derry at a time when the club has very much claimed the imagination of the city.

“If you are playing well now with Derry, it’s one of the top two teams in Ireland, so if you’re doing well people will be talking about you,” he agreed. “At 21/22, playing for a team going for the league, it can only be a good thing, so that’s the plan. I want to show people what I can do and that’s all I can hope for.

“Since I’ve come home, I’m surprised at how many kids are wearing Derry tops now, compared to Liverpool or even United tops. It’s great to see and even going into the schools, and next year hopefully we’ll have a packed out Brandywell every week. That will only help us on the pitch so it’s unbelievable to see.”