Rotation keeps everyone on their toes - Kelly

Goalscorer Oisín Kelly believes Limerick’s “well-balanced squad” is stronger than last season and says that his manager’s rotation policy “keeps everyone on their toes”, after they returned to winning ways in the Under-19 National League on Sunday.

The former Aisling Annacotty youngster was handed his first start of the new season by Tommy Barrett against Wexford Youths at Hogan Park, having featured from the bench in their opening games against Cobh Ramblers and Waterford United.

The 18-year-old forward marked it with a goal as he fired in the young Shannonsiders’ second, quickly adding to Yoyo Mahdy’s breakthrough, as they bounced back in impressive fashion after their midweek disappointment.

The victory moved Limerick to the top of the table, on goal difference ahead of UCD who have a game in hand. And Kelly believes last season’s Southern Elite Division champions are well placed for another title tilt.

“I think we’re stronger this season, especially with the Under-17s that could come through. I think it’s a well-balanced squad as well,” Kelly told LimerickFC.ie.

“I think we rotate more than most teams. I think that benefits us – it keeps everyone on their toes. It’s a competitive squad; we have a very good squad and that benefits us all.”

On his own targets, Oisín added: “I want to get as much game-time as I can, get a few goals and do my best, progress and be pushing on the door for the first team.”

Limerick were dominant against Wexford and in the end ran out comfortable 4-0 winners, and Kelly was pleased with their display.

“It was a very good performance,” he said. “I thought we were solid. We started off well, defended well, we got into the game after a while, got two goals before half-time and sealed it with two goals in the second half.

“After the poor result in midweek, we needed to give in a good performance, and we did. I thought we were very good. I was happy with the goal. I only got one goal last year, so I’ve equalled that already this season in my first start. I’ll push on from that hopefully and get some more.

“It could be a better start. We were hoping for nine; obviously, you want to win at home. Six points, we can kick on from here. Cork will be a hard game next weekend, but again, at home, we want to win that.”

Kelly joined Limerick at the start of last season and is delighted with how it has gone for him so far.

“It has been very good,” Oisín said. “The coaching is very good. It’s a different level. The League of Ireland is a completely different level to grassroots football. You kick on, you play with better players – it makes you a better player all-round.

“I’m happy with my progress. It’s my second season now; there’s another one starting in March, so with three full seasons I should be able to give myself a good chance of progressing and getting into the first team.”