In 2017, Caolan McAleer got over three times as many yellow cards as he did goals for Finn Harps. The winger was booked 13 times for the Co. Donegal side but so far the Omagh man's record at Sligo Rovers tips in the favour of goals. His double again
In 2017, Caolan McAleer got over three times as many yellow cards as he did goals for Finn Harps. The winger was booked 13 times for the Co. Donegal side but so far the Omagh man's record at Sligo Rovers tips in the favour of goals.
His double against Bray Wanderers proved to be match-winning and it was a relief to the 24-year old.
"In our last match I was a bit annoyed at myself because I had a few chances and in the games before that even I'd a few chances but they just didn't seem to dropping. Maybe I was putting a wee bit of pressure on myself but tonight I just went out and I was happy to get the goals straightaway."
With McAleer now enjoying complete dedication to football as part of the Bit O'Red's full-time regime, he can feel the benefits. His 13 yellow cards of 2017 are a distant memory and if he finds himself in the referee's notebook this year, he wants it to be for scoring goals.
"Being full-time is a big step up. The boys here might be a wee bit fitter and stronger but that's no disrespect to Finn Harps - they're obviously very good and have some talented players but they've got their (day) jobs as well. When you're training every day, you're going to get better because you're pushed on further.
"That was just one of those things. With the way we set up to play, I took the odd yellow but this year I've kind of calmed down. I've only got one so far so I'm delighted with that and I've two goals now so if I can get more goals than yellow cards I'd be happy with that.
"I just want to keep on training hard and keep my place in the team and hopefully we can pick up points we need."
