Curran devoted to Limerick cause

It's been a big week for Limerick FC's Craig Curran. The Liverpudlian forward signed a new deal with the club on Monday, just after he netted the winner in a 3-2 comeback victory against Dundalk.

The biggest thing for Curran since arriving on Shannonside has been the hospitality both the club and the people of Limerick have shown him. The striker admitted it's always easier to settle somewhere with a positive reception. "The biggest thing for me is the way I've been welcomed. The way the fans have welcomed me - they've been unbelievable. I said it the other day, and I'll say it again - they're the best fans I've played in front of and I have played for some big clubs. Even in the away games - they've been so loud and they don't realise how much that lifts us. The other night when they went mad when we hit the winner was great for us. It gives us a platform to build upon."

Curran is also quick to pay credit to manager Stuart Taylor for bringing him to the club and his approach to managing the side. "He's a top, top manager. He's great to play for. To get to play for him and Mal [Malky Thomson] and even the chairman - there's just great guys around the place, and I feel really comfortable. I've really enjoyed myself since I've come here and I'm going to build on that."

Having played at a number of levels in England, Curran previously admitted he didn't know much about the standard of the Irish game, but he was pleasantly surprised when he arrived. "It's been good. I didn't think it'd be as good as we want. We've some tough, tough challenges. When we've a full team, we're really strong and it shows when you can pull results out like the other night. It's really exciting times."

Admittedly, Curran knew of the reputation Limerick established in the media before arriving over. The twenty-three year old went on record to say that he had no problems whatsoever. "Obviously, I heard of the reputation. I can tell you now it's been exactly the opposite. The people are so friendly and I'm really enjoying my time here. Living here and playing here has been great." 

Signing a new deal is always a relief for the player and being a permanent fixture at Limerick will only settle Curran that bit more. However, he says his goals haven't changed. "My goal is to win on Friday night. That's always the way it is. I need to do as much I can and help the team push up the table - to fight for the top few spaces."

While he hasn't scored as many goals as many predicted at the start of the season, both Curran and his manager feel he contributes more than just goals. Curran often is the focal point of the attack; dropping deep to assist team mates and even taking up defensive responsibilities when called upon. For Curran, some aspects of his game have been pleasing. "I try to give my all every game. I'm here to improve and to get better. If I get better, than means the team can get better and we can improve as a unit. Working every day with the likes of the gaffer, you can only improve. Winning games has been my highlight so far."

There were rumours afloat the a few clubs across the water had targeted Craig as a potential swoop, but Craig said it was never option for him. "I was never interested in going anywhere else. I actually asked the gaffer a long time ago if I could stay, but I couldn't do anything because I was still on loan so it didn't make a difference. I didn't speak to anyone else, even if they did, I wouldn't have gone. I see good things happening here and I want to be part of that."