Confidence the Key for Conan Byrne and Pat's
Conan Byrne says that a buildup of confidence has led to St. Patrick's Athletic's improved performances over the past two weeks, after his wonder goal in the 4-0 victory against Bohemians on Friday night.
Speaking to extratime.ie after the game, Byrne said that the recent Dubin Derby wins over Shamrock Rovers and Bohs, lifting Pat's out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, was down to the players regaining their self-assurance.
“The only thing I can say [has improved] is confidence”, said Byrne. “We've been playing well in games, it’s just individual mistakes that killed us.
“We grow in confidence after a win. Training has been good since the start of pre-season, we're fit, we're strong, we just lacked the confidence.”
Byrne netted his 100th League of Ireland goal with a stunning strike from inside his own half, right on the stroke of half-time, a goal which he has attempted to score on several occasions, such as last season against Dundalk and in last week's clash with Rovers.
“I always look at the 'keeper in the first couple of minutes to see where they stand, and he was standing a good bit off his line”, said Byrne. “So when the ball fell to me, I looked up and I seen him miles off, so I thought, 'give it a go, see what happens'”.
“I've tried and failed on many occasions, so thankfully today it worked out.”
Another strike at the start of the second half added to goals from Christy Fagan and Kurtis Byrne to give Pat's the away victory at Dalymount Park, and Byrne was overcome with emotion when he rifled home, running the length of the field to the away end to celebrate with the fans on their penultimate visit to the ground before it is redeveloped.
“To score that goal in a ground such as this, one steeped in history, and in the last season here, it's great", said Byrne. "You can't put it into words."
