IRELAND’S NEWEST RECRUIT Paddy Madden is hoping to emulate the career path of Shane Long by becoming a Premier League striker.
The 23-year-old was yesterday called up the Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the first time ahead of Wednesday’s friendly with Wales after a series of withdrawals.
A former Bohemians player who made the switch to English football when Carlisle United signed him in 2011 but struggled with injuries before joining Yeovil Town initially on loan, Madden was the top scorer in League One last season and scored in the play-off final win over Brentford to send The Glovers into the Championship.
Although Long’s career in Ireland was short-lived due to a move to Reading in 2005, compatriot Madden is looking to reach similar heights by playing for his country and, in the not-too-distant future, making the step-up to the English top flight.
“Shane came from the Eircom (now Airtricity) League as well and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps and get to the highest level in English football the Premier League. Finger’s crossed, I’ll just keep the head down, keep working and hopefully it leads me to there.
People think when you play League One you won’t get international call-ups. It just shows up people and maybe gives them a little boost.”
Madden has been getting to know his new team-mates but has yet to take part in the initiation by singing in front of the squad.
“If you come into the squad and you don’t know any of the faces it takes you awhile to get used to it. I’ve played underage with a few of the lads and know some from the Eircom (Airtricity) League, it does help you and I’m settled in now.”
Yeovil are curently 14th in the table after one win and one defeat from their opening two league games, which Madden started both. On playing in the second tier, he added: ”The teams are harder to break down in the Championship but I think you get more time on the ball as there is more quality. I think we’ll do well this year.
“We got a good result against Millwall away and we were unlucky to get beaten by Birmingham on Saturday.”
He also revealed that he still follows the League of Ireland on a weekly basis with club mate Kevin Dawson, formerly of Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne.
“I watch the Eircom (Airtricity) League. Me and Kevin Dawson watch MNS on the laptop every Monday night.
“I think they (Bohemians) will survive this year. Owen Heary is obviously in charge and he’s a fantastic footballer who has a fantastic football brain so I’m sure he will get them well tuned in and they will survive.”
Audio courtesy of 98FM.
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