Deegan focused on title battle before move

Gary Deegan is often likened to the cartoon character 'the Tasmanian Devil' by his team mates, and by watching him play, it's easy to see why. Whether it's a crunching tackle or a crucial interception, Deegan always seems to be the man in the right position. From talking to the Bohs midfielder you get the impression of a greyhound itching to get out of the traps.

Despite being strongly linked with a move across the water throughout the English transfer window, and in particular a move to Ipswich Town, Deegan insists his mind is fully focused on playing for Bohs and winning all he can.

“I'm not worried about anything like that. I'm a Bohemians player and contracted to Bohs, I've a job to do and I want to win things here,” the midfielder stressed. When asked about a move to Roy Keane's Ipswich in particular Deegan said: “Well I'm playing well, so things like that are going to pop up. I'm not worried about that.”

The Bohs star's playing style has often been compared to Keane's, but says its something he's never really considered. “I never really thought about that. It's great to be linked with a player of his stature but I don't read too much into that,” explained Deegan.

There have been a lot of young Irish players who have gone to England only to be turned down and return home with their tail between their legs. Deegan, on the other hand, believes he has the ability to find a club over there and make a career for himself.

“It's an ambition of mine to go to England. I'd like to go and give it a go, I think I can play at a higher level but for the time being I'm happy at Bohs,” insisted Deegan.

However, Deegan also expressed his disappointment at Irish players having to go abroad to enhance their careers. “Why should we have to leave our own country to get a better standard? But if you don't keep your best players, not just at Bohs but at other clubs too. If you look at Keith Fahey and Jay O'Shea, all our best players are leaving the league.”

With Bohs looking like hot favourites to reclaim the League of Ireland trophy, Gary explains the main reasons behind his good form. “The people around me, experienced lads, and we've great coaches who are getting the best out of me and give me the confidence to go and do it." He also signals out his ever-present midfield partner Paul Keegan as another key element.

“In the last few weeks we've really been gelling together and I think we compliment each other really well. I hope it continues.”

Despite being in a very promising position Deegan knows there is still plenty of hard work to be done. “I think we can push on now, we're seven points clear but we still have to play Cork, Derry and (Shamrock) Rovers. I think if we don't lose those games we can go on and do it.”

Deegan is one of those rare gems in League of Ireland football and it will be a shame to see him, inevitably, go abroad when his contract expires at the end of the current season. We can admire him at close range until then, though, so make sure to avail of the opportunity as this is a young man going places.