McCAREY UP FOR CHALLENGE OF ST PAT'S
McCAREY UP FOR CHALLENGE OF ST PAT’S – by Julie-Ann Sherlock
One of the most naturally talented players to come out of the Monaghan United Juvenile set up, Aaron McCarey, has been pulling on the number 1 jersey regularly for his club at senior level despite being only 17 years old. McCarey has risen through the juvenile ranks and has always punched above his weight having played a year or 2 above his age level in recent years as his ability and stature have grown rapidly.
United’s FAI League of Ireland team manager Mick Cooke signed the young goalkeeper to the senior squad back in January as a back up to Brendan Kennedy, Ronan McGann and Charile Treacy with a view to giving him a few games to help speed up his development. Illness and injury allowed McCarey an opportunity to show what he was made of and he has made himself a regular feature of the squad and has proven that he has what it takes to play against the best the League’s First Division has to offer.
“I was totally shocked the other week when an hour before the game against Waterford, Mick told me I would be in goals. Waterford are looking like they will be promoted and this was a big game for us” McCarey said “I was delighted to get between the posts. I have kept 4 clean sheets in the last 4 games with the help of a well organised back four and I hope that we can continue to do well”.
As the youngest member of United’s squad McCarey is delighted to be getting such a good opportunity to play for his club. “We face St Patrick’s Athletic in the FAI Ford Cup next Friday (14th August) and I would love if Mick put me in goals. It would be such a great experience to play against one of Ireland’s biggest teams and a good test for me against a team who could be in the group stages of the Europa Cup”
Aaron hopes that the cup run can continue and is hoping that St Pat’s recent busy weeks may give Mons a chance to advance. “St Pat’s have the Premier Division and their European games going on and we have a good chance to cause an upset as they may be feeling tired and we have been playing well. There is a great buzz in the squad now after the blip early in the season and training with Pat McGibbon has been excellent and Brendan Kennedy really knows his stuff and he also puts me through my paces so I am learning a lot under them”
Aaron has pulled on the Ireland jersey at underage level for many years now and hopes that he can continue to feature in future squads. “Things are quiet on the International front at the moment but I am hoping that I will feature in the Under 18 squads for friendlies next year and I know the experience I am getting in the League will stand to me and hopefully make me a better player”
Competition for the number 1 jersey at Monaghan United is strong but so is Aaron. Ambition, talent & dedication wrapped up in a 17 year old is a heady mix. Watch out world!
