‘It’s been an awful time for him for the last couple of years’ – Derry City relief as Colm Whelan ends 14-month injury absence
Colm Whelan of Derry City in action against Jack Keaney of Drogheda United during the SSE Airtricity Premier Division match at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins hopes that a bad run of luck for his injury-cursed forward Colm Whelan is over as the former Ireland U21 cap plans to make the most of his return to fitness.
Derry’s title hopes were boosted by a 5-1 defeat of Drogheda United on Friday, five different scorers for City, but one piece of major news was the appearance off the bench of Whelan, his first outing in 14 months after he suffered an ACL injury, the second of his career.
Whelan (23) has made just four appearances for Derry in 18 months since his move from UCD but manager Higgins is upbeat about him now being injury-free and able to contribute as Derry gear up for tests in the FAI Cup and in Europe as well as the league title race.
“It's brilliant,” Higgins said of Whelan’s return on Friday. “It's been an awful time for him for the last couple of years, you just hope he can stay fit, someone with his talent deserves to have a really bright career, and hopefully that can happen now.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Jimmy Keohane believes he can make an impact with Galway United after his move to the club following a spell in England.
The 33-year-old lined out for Sligo Rovers and Cork City before a 2019 move to Rochdale, where he made 170 league appearances and also starred in a remarkable FA Cup run, but Galway have managed to lure him home after he was released by Rochdale.
“I’m delighted to sign for Galway. I’ve been following the league, and the team has a great sense of togetherness. I attended a game and immediately noticed how much of a team they are and how well they work together," he said.
“It’s really exciting to be here, and the club seems to be on the rise. I’m thrilled to join.”
