He’s only been with Wellington Phoenix for less than two weeks but Irish import Cillian Sheridan already has his sights on securing a long-term deal with the Hyundai A-League high-flyers.
Sheridan was signed by coach Mark Rudan at the start of January from Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok but has made an immediate impact for the Kiwi club.
He has come off the bench against both Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners, helping inspire the ‘Nix to two thrilling 3-2 victories.
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It’s been a dream start for the 195cm striker, who admits he’d love to commit his future to the club beyond the 2018/19 Season.
"I love it here. There's nice people and it's a nice place,” Sheridan said ahead of this weekend’s clash with Melbourne Victory.
“The club has made me feel very welcome and it's an easy group to settle into.
“I don't think [another contract] should be your motivation, you should always have your motivation to be at your top, but it could always give you a bit of a boost.”
The 29-year-old has become a fan favourite in Wellington already due to his eye-catching cameo’s over the last week.
It started with having a hand in two goals in the win over the Wanderers in Sydney, before coming off the bench to inspire the Phoenix to a come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Mariners last Saturday.
"When you're a sub coming on you always have to feel [confident] because that's why the change has been made, you've been brought on to do something,” Sheridan explained.
“From my point of view it couldn't have gone any better [against the Mariners] because straight away they've gone down to 10 men and although it didn't make it easy, it did make it easier for me.
"I've been happy with how I've started, I would have preferred to have a goal on top of it, but the main thing I can come in and help the team and whenever I get a chance I'll be ready to take it."
Asked if he’s ready to start against the Hyundai A-League champions in Melbourne this weekend, Sheridan said: "Players will always say they're ready but it's up to the manager.
“The team is doing well, guys are scoring so I can't complain. It's just going to be up to me and when I do get a chance I'll be ready to take it."
The Phoenix are on an eight-game unbeaten run and drew 1-1 with Victory when the clubs met just last month in Melbourne.
