McNicholas move creates opportunities

THE surprise departure of Belcarra native Luke McNicholas from Sligo Rovers to Wrexham last week has cracked open a double opportunity for two other fellow Mayo goalkeepers.
Westport’s Conor Walsh played for Rovers in last Friday night’s trip to Dundalk with Ballyheane native, John Vahey, on the bench.
Since McNicholas’s move is only confirmed until January, it seems unlikely that Sligo will sign another ‘keeper before then. This gives Walsh a great chance to claim the number one spot and establish himself as Sligo Rovers’ first-choice keeper for next season, if the McNicholas deal becomes permanent, which seems likely.
“Conor is a great lad and we have high hopes for him,” Sligo boss John Russell told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday). “He played on Friday night, which is obviously great for him, and the opportunity is there for him now. That’s how football works.
“You get a chance and you have to make the most of it.”
Russell spoke highly of the young Westport Utd star.
“He’s come through our academy system, and he’s a great goalkeeper.
“He’s on a professional contract with us. Luke McNicholas came through the same system, as did Ed McGinty who was number one until his departure for Oxford United last year.
“Luke [McNicholas] had gone out on loan, and when Ed left, Luke came back and got his chance and he took it. Now Luke is gone until January at least and Conor has the chance.”
It’s an ideal time for Walsh to get the chance.
Sligo are not going to win the League, nor are they likely to be relegated, so the pressure won’t be as intense for results as might be the case at another time. Sligo have a solid, compact defence and they will know that they have a young ‘keeper behind them.
Plus, he’ll have an ally in Richard Brush, the other goalkeeper on Sligo’s books. The 38 year-old has no ambitions to be number one and will be a great support and mentor for the youngster, as he was for Luke McNicholas.
The transfer has interesting implications for John Vahey too.
“John [Vahey] was on the bench for us on Friday night,” Russell explained.
“Richard Brush, our regular second-choice ‘keeper was suspended. John isn’t on a professional contract – he’s still with our under-19s.
“But he’s in training with our first team. We have chosen him as one of the two over-age players, that we are allowed to use with our under-19s, which is unusual for a goalkeeper.
“Normally we would choose outfield players, but we like John a lot and that’s why we gave that slot away. John was in training with us last year, and we wanted to keep him round the first-team group. He’s been doing well and we just want to see how he develops over the next couple of months. Both these lads have their chance now and it’s up to them to grab it.”
Wrexham have the option to sign McNicholas permanently in January.
The 23 year-old has represented the Republic of Ireland Ireland at Under-18 level, and had successful loan spells with Finn Harps and Cliftonville. He has made 26 appearances for Rovers this season.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be here,” Luke said on his signature for the Hollywood-connected Welsh team, playing in the English League Two. “I can’t wait to get started. The experience in the goalkeeping department at Wrexham is second to none.”
Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson said: “I’m delighted to sign Luke. He’s a good, young goalkeeper with real potential and we’re looking forward to working with him.”