2022-07-23, 08:35 PM - Word count:
On the eve of the SSL Draft, Galway United homegrown player Lochlann O’Rourke is expecting to be picked tomorrow afternoon by one of the SSL clubs. Question is, will it be a club in the newly established Division II of the SSL?
Reports have surfaced and been confirmed by club sources that O’Rourke has already said goodbye to his teammates and cleaned out his stall at the training grounds, as Galway United prepare for another Ireland First Division season.
A recent standout for the club the past season, a move in the summer transfer window was always in the cards. Whether it be the SSL or another league. With the creation of Division II in the SSL, did it put a damper on O’Rourke and his decision to report if selected by a team? We asked him earlier in the week.
“Obviously I want to be playing at the highest level possible, but I think starting in Division II could be a blessing in disguise, if it happens of course. In Division I there may be more competition for my spot or I may be forced to play in a position that I’m slightly uncomfortable in. Don’t get me wrong, I would do it, but it may not be the best for my career.
At the end of the day, I do want to win, and winning a Championship in Division II might be more attainable the first year or two of my career.
I’ve had plenty of chats with Managers, most of them really good, so I’m not sure if there is one club more focused on me than other Forwards. They understand I have a lot of growth to do technically, but they appreciate my athletic side of my game and also the mental edge I feel I have over my opponents. As for my competition in the draft, I haven't had a chance to play against any of them - but I am excited to do so next season.
I’ve never experienced a Draft in this sport before, but from what I hear it can get quite wild. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything shakes out on Sunday.”
Speculation is running rampart and checking out mock drafts give no clear picture of what O’Rourke’s future might be. Close to half of those Mock Drafts exclude the young Irishman altogether, but a few have him pegged to several Division II teams, with maybe one or two Division I teams predicted as well. It seems no one would be surprised if O’Rourke went 1st overall, or fell out of the first round altogether. To be fair, how many great players have come out of Galway, Ireland? But on the flip side, there is always a chance.
Things might get a bit more clear closer to when União São Paulo are on the clock to kick off the S5 Draft, but for now the future is unclear and anybody’s guess.
Reports have surfaced and been confirmed by club sources that O’Rourke has already said goodbye to his teammates and cleaned out his stall at the training grounds, as Galway United prepare for another Ireland First Division season.
A recent standout for the club the past season, a move in the summer transfer window was always in the cards. Whether it be the SSL or another league. With the creation of Division II in the SSL, did it put a damper on O’Rourke and his decision to report if selected by a team? We asked him earlier in the week.
“Obviously I want to be playing at the highest level possible, but I think starting in Division II could be a blessing in disguise, if it happens of course. In Division I there may be more competition for my spot or I may be forced to play in a position that I’m slightly uncomfortable in. Don’t get me wrong, I would do it, but it may not be the best for my career.
At the end of the day, I do want to win, and winning a Championship in Division II might be more attainable the first year or two of my career.
I’ve had plenty of chats with Managers, most of them really good, so I’m not sure if there is one club more focused on me than other Forwards. They understand I have a lot of growth to do technically, but they appreciate my athletic side of my game and also the mental edge I feel I have over my opponents. As for my competition in the draft, I haven't had a chance to play against any of them - but I am excited to do so next season.
I’ve never experienced a Draft in this sport before, but from what I hear it can get quite wild. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything shakes out on Sunday.”
Speculation is running rampart and checking out mock drafts give no clear picture of what O’Rourke’s future might be. Close to half of those Mock Drafts exclude the young Irishman altogether, but a few have him pegged to several Division II teams, with maybe one or two Division I teams predicted as well. It seems no one would be surprised if O’Rourke went 1st overall, or fell out of the first round altogether. To be fair, how many great players have come out of Galway, Ireland? But on the flip side, there is always a chance.
Things might get a bit more clear closer to when União São Paulo are on the clock to kick off the S5 Draft, but for now the future is unclear and anybody’s guess.
| CODE |
| Not Claimable for PT |
<div align="center"><img src='https://i.imgur.com/CEAlEgC.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' /><br><a href='https://simsoccer.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=1855' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/Gp9XJmML/Player-PNG.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></a> <a href='https://simsoccer.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=1856' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/SK5DZb5W/Updates-PNG.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></a></div>
