Loftus bullish about Celtic’s prospects this year
MAYO SUPER LEAGUE PREVIEW
TOWARDS the end of last season, it was hard to argue that there wasn’t a better team in Mayo than Castlebar Celtic.
Following a home defeat to Glenhest Rovers on August 6, they have been a near unstoppable force in the 17 games since, losing only once to Hibernians of Waterford in the FAI Junior Cup last month. The highlight of the run was an all-time Super Cup final classic against Kiltimagh/Knock United, prevailing after a mammoth penalty shootout.
It was all the more impressive given their erratic first half to the season, with home defeats to Ballyheane, Ballina Town and Manulla as well as defeat to Ballinasloe Town in a replayed Connaught Cup semi-final after the first game was postponed midway through due to a flooded pitch.
“The start of the season was poor, dropping points to S&F,” admits Jordan Loftus, who scored a hat trick as well as the winning penalty in the shootout of the Super Cup final. “We kind of found our feet but it was more in dribs and drabs. Players were missing through holidays and games got postponed. I always say you need a bit of luck when it comes to league seasons as well.
“You can have all the talent in the world but you still need luck with injuries, suspensions, holidays etc.
“Towards the end, it fell into place and we built improvement.
“You could slightly see the falloff with some players (after the Connaught Cup semi-final loss). But I wouldn’t use it as an excuse either. After the result in Waterford, it hasn’t happened in comparison and we’re ready to go again.”
BATTLES
While Celtic’s attractive brand of football has earned them plenty of plaudits, the issue of losing battles, the nitty-gritty element of the league, was a source of frustration, particularly in the first half of the season. That is certainly no longer the case, as Celtic were able to answer any questions that were asked of them and younger players such as James Basquille, Luke Kelly and Fionn Mahon are stepping up to the plate.
“Another thing is that they’re winners now after winning the Under 21 League. All these players have winning mentalities and self-belief now, and have grown into their bodies physically. Even in the last 20-odd games, we’ve won 95% of them and that will stand.”
That sprinkle of youth was ably aided by shrewd additions such as Joe Slevin from Claremorris last year. The Hoops have also been boosted by new signings such as Adam Diamond-Keane from Westport United, James Robinson from Sligo Rovers and former Ballina Town winger Dylan Edwards.
Furthermore, Colm Nevin will be back in the Celtic squad following a nightmare run with injuries. Loftus believes this is one of the strongest Celtic squads he’s ever been a part of.
“I genuinely believe there’s an 11 that could play in the League of Ireland. Robinson and Stefan Hester will battle for the goalkeeper position. How often do you see two players like that play for the number one jersey?
“The squad is very strong and young. Dylan is probably the best player I’ve ever played against in the Mayo League. Now I’m playing alongside him and it’s very exciting.
“Colm played 45 minutes in a friendly last week and he was different gravy. He is sometimes forgotten about. He leads by example and hopefully he stays fit.
“We have Ioseph as captain and Johnny Walsh as vice-captain but I don’t need an armband to show my leadership. Colm Nevin would say the same thing, as would Joe Slevin. There’s a nice mix of youth and experience. Even the young lads aren’t afraid to talk. It’s a good blend.”
Celtic will certainly be among the contenders to win the Super League title, and are many people’s favourites to do so. With the strength in depth at their disposal, Loftus can see Celtic fighting on all fronts.
“We’ve the squad depth. We’ve 20 very good players. We want to win every game and we can. We want to win the divisional cup, the provincial cups. We want to win everything this year.”