Danny Kane says he’s ready and willing to repay and reward Sligo Rovers for the faith they have shown in him. The Dubliner, who has strong family links to Skreen in west Sligo, had spent almost six months training with the club having picked up a l
Danny Kane says he’s ready and willing to repay and reward Sligo Rovers for the faith they have shown in him.
The Dubliner, who has strong family links to Skreen in west Sligo, had spent almost six months training with the club having picked up a long-term injury last year.
Kane was arguably Rovers’ best performer despite a pedestrian showing from the north westerners against Waterford on Saturday.
This was the former Huddersfield defender’s first competitive game of the year and he was delighted to get back to business.
“I missed the buzz before the games”, he admitted. “It was great to get out there playing in front of fans again. I’m happy to get through the 90 minutes.”
Paying tribute to Rovers’ patience as he was nursed back to health, the once Cork City player says he realises he is fortunate to find himself in his current situation.
“I met (Liam) at the end of January and he said I was welcome to come up to Sligo and do my rehab.
“He told me he would think about signing me once I was fit. Not many clubs would offer that so I came up here, kept my head down and I was lucky to get a contract. I can’t thank Liam and the club enough for that.”
Kane lined out at right back for Sligo in their friendly win over Accrington Stanley last week, before switching flanks for the Waterford game.
Most comfortable on the right side of a centre half pairing, Kane was just happy to be part of the starting eleven.
His services will no doubt be required as Rovers go to Derry next Friday with a number of suspensions including that of Dante Leverock who was sent off on Saturday.
“The gaffer needed someone for left back and obviously I’ll do my best for the team wherever I go”, he continued.
“I know Dante is suspended for next week now but there’s still plenty of competition at the back, but that’s good for us.”
On the Waterford stalemate, Danny admitted Romeo Parkes’ first half penalty miss was detrimental to Sligo. But he felt a point-a-piece was fair gain.
“The first 20 minutes we were alright and then when we missed the penalty, I think it affected us a little. Second half, we didn’t start well but the draw was probably a fair result.”
With competitive minutes now under his belt, Kane is focusing on cementing a regular place in a Rovers side not short on defenders.
“I didn’t really get a good run down in Cork”, he reflected.
“It can be hard coming in and out of the team. It was what it was and I’ve no bitterness about it. But hopefully I can get a good run of games up here and show how good I am.”
