Sharkey keen to make Brandywell breakthrough

Seamus Sharkey is raring to go ahead of the start of the 2015 Airtricity Premier Division tomorrow, after agreeing a one year contract that sees him return to the Brandywell after five years abroad.

The 25 year old was one of the stars of Derry City’s underage sides and was on the fringes of the first team from an early age after making his debut in a League Cup game against Finn Harps in 2008.

After a period on loan at Ballybofey, he briefly broke into the first team during the First Division title winning campaign of 2010 but, with his opportunities still limited, he moved abroad the following year and was most recently playing professionally with Rochester Lancers from the indoor Major Arena Soccer League in the USA.

Sharkey returns as a much more experienced and physically bigger player and as a versatile defender in a squad that is short of options across the back four, he looks in a much stronger position to make his mark.

“I went to Australia first for six months and played for a team in the State League out there but about eight weeks into the season the team folded so I was left without a club,” he recalls. “I came home for about a month and then moved out to America where I spent two and a half years and was at College out there for two years.

 “I was training with a few pro teams out there and I finally managed to get a contract in the summer and I played there until a couple of months ago.

 “When I came home Peter (Hutton) called me and asked me to come in for preseason to see how I did and thankfully I must have impressed enough to get a deal.

“I know a lot of the boys from the last time I was at the club, any time I’ve been back I’ve tried to meet up with them so it’s not been so bad settling back in.”

Sharkey was thrown straight into the City starting line-up for their opening friendly against Ballinamallard United and featured in most of the subsequent challenge games as City prepared for a testing opening night clash against newly promoted Galway United at Terryland Park tomorrow night.

His versatility could be his biggest strength this year and he admits watching the steady stream of City players moving across the water has inspired him to fight for his opportunity.

“It’s a great time to be at the club as the young players are going to get their opportunity in the first team,” he continued.

 “I’ve played in a good few of the preseason games and played out of a position a few times but I’m happy to play any role if I can play. Centre back is my favourite position but I’ll play anywhere.

 “Michael Duffy is the perfect example to anyone coming in that if they can play well they can get their move across the water.
“Hopefully, if I can do well here it could be a stepping stone for me and you never know where you could end up.”

The Brandywell club have placed a heavy emphasis on strength and conditioning in recent seasons, opening up a specialised gym in Bridgend where the players are put through their paces by Convoy man Pearse Lafferty.

That aspect of training is something Sharkey is used to from his time in the States and he admits that he is happy with his fitness levels ahead of the big kick off.

“When I went to America I was in the gym a lot as they’re big into their fitness out there. I’ve probably grown up and filled out a bit as well.

“When I first came back Pearse took me into the gym in Bridgend and I really enjoyed it. I’ve had a few niggling injuries during preseason but hopefully they’ll be well cleared up before the start of the season,” he concluded.