“It was a no-brainer for me to sign permanently”
Paul Phelan from Match Partner Murphy Larkin Timber Products pictured with the Player of the Match, Waterford FC's Tommy Lonergan, Sean and Conor Phelan and Fionn Murphy.
Waterford FC striker Tommy Lonergan felt that it was a “no-brainer” for him to put pen to paper on a permanent two-and-a-half-year deal with the Blues after completing the signing from sister club Fleetwood Town ahead of FAI Cup success over St. Mochta’s at the RSC on Friday last.
Lonergan, who tasted FAI Cup glory when scoring in the final for St. Patrick’s Athletic, went on to score twice for the Blues as they progressed into the third round draw, with three late goals key to their cup passage over a battling Dublin side.
Speaking on a hectic week, Lonergan said: “It was a no-brainer for me as I’ve enjoyed my time here on loan. When I got word of the opportunity to sign here permanently, it was a no-brainer, as I said, because I’m just enjoying my time here.
“It’s just mental clarity that I’m going to be here for the next two-and-a-half years, so I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead here. I’m enjoying my time here, as I said, and it was the right move at the right time.
“I’m enjoying playing with Podge and Conan (Noonan). For the first goal, I saw the ball breaking, and I just took it around the corner to finish. For Conan’s goal, we have a bit of a sixth sense together, me, Podge, and Conan. I could see Conan going through, and I slipped it through. It was a great finish, and I was buzzing for Podge to get his goal in the end as well.”
Lonergan was delighted to be able to see the game out with three late goals. “It’s cup football and anything can happen at the end of the day. It was a bit tense when it was 2-1, but Trae (Coyle) scored a brilliant goal to settle the nerves.
“I think when I made it 4-1, the shackles were off. It was great for Podge to get the fifth goal after a brilliant cross, and it was plain sailing from then. Obviously, scoring goals it’s great for the fans because they didn’t have a great watch in the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second-half. It was brilliant.
“The FAI Cup is a special competition, and it’s a special occasion in the Aviva. I’ve been lucky enough to play in one and I’d love to go to the Aviva Stadium again, but this time with Waterford. I think it’s 45 years since the club last won it, so hopefully we can give it our best shot to get there.”
Focus is now on the game against Galway United on Friday next. “It’s going to be a tough test in Galway, and they are a tough team to play against. I think that we need to tidy up on a few things, and if we do that, and play our best football, I think that we’ll come out on top.
“As a striker, goals give you confidence, and when you’re scoring goals, anything you touch hits the back of the net. I think that when you’re on a drought, you’re feeling when your next goal is going to come. I’m in a good run of form at the minute, so long may it continue.”
