2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Paul O'Hehir)
Stephen Bradley didn’t sugar-coat the conversation so Conan Noonan knew it was the right time to take a leap of faith. Waterford’s loan star made 24 appearances for Shamrock Rovers last season, and 19 of those were in the league. But the opportunities dried up in the second-half of the season, such is the nature of the Hoops’ rotation and strength in depth.
And once Matt Healy was lined up as a new midfield signing over the winter, Bradley felt it best that Noonan spread his wings and get regular minutes elsewhere. The 22-year-old was quickly snapped up on loan by Waterford and has been a permanent fixture this season. "I sat down with Stephen in January and we had a really honest conversation,” Noonan told Mirror Sport ahead of the Blues clash with Sligo Rovers tonight.
“Nobody is really considered a starter at Rovers as they rotate so much, but I felt ready to play a big part. "The gaffer knows when to take you in and out of the team. There are times like the second half of last season when I didn't feature as much and I felt like I was ready.
But he must have felt it wasn't the time. He’s so good at that sort of thing and understands when to take young players in and out. "He gives youth its chance and it's up to the lads to do it and in their squad of 22 or 23, every single one of them could play.
But the gaffer felt I needed more consistent minutes and once I heard that, I was happy to explore my options and was delighted to go to Waterford. So far I'm loving it and it's 100% been the right thing to do as I'm growing as a player and a person and I'm happy with how I'm playing.” While Noonan played as a six or an eight with Rovers, he has licence to get higher with Waterford and has been their No 10, or right winger.
From Clougherinka in Kildare, Noonan is keen to grasp this opportunity, having spoken previously about the long-Covid issues he battled in 2022. Last year, he detailed how he feared he may not play again, or certainly not at the highest level in Ireland. And Bradley revealed at the time how Noonan was experiencing irregular heartbeats and feeling dizzy.
But with the all clear, Noonan is going from strength to strength and having never won an Ireland cap, made his U21s debut against England’s U20s last summer. Although Waterford started the season well, their results have tapered off with five straight defeats going into tonight’s clash with bottom side Sligo Rovers. But Noonan believes their luck will turn and said: "I can't be more grateful to Keith Long for showing he wanted me.
He has made me feel like one of the main players. "I could have stayed at Rovers and been part of the rotation but I wanted to challenge myself and get some regular minutes I have to keep working hard but playing behind someone like Padraig Amond has been incredible for me. He’s the best striker in the league and his career here and in England speaks for itself.
As a creative midfielder, it’s everything you want to be playing with a striker like Podge. If we can tweak a few things and play our football, we’ll show our true potential.” Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts .
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