Fats gives Trap food for thought

As Saint Patrick’s Athletic move 6 points clear at the top of the eircom Premier Division, there is perhaps one player who deserves a good deal of praise. He stands at 5 feet 10 inches, wears the number 8 shirt, strikes an elegant poise as he mans the centre circle, looks staggeringly similar to Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller and makes impossible looking passes with the ease of a man who is reaching the peak of his ability. His name is Keith Fahey (or ‘Fats’ as he is known around Inchicore) and he is causing quite a few heads to turn this season.

One would be forgiven for wondering why this man remains in Ireland when his obvious talents suggest he should be overseas. Fahey did begin his career at Arsenal in 1998 before being signed by Aston Villa for £250,000 a year later. Unfortunately his efforts in the big leagues did not bear fruit and he was handed an olive branch by Pat’s in 2001 where he revived his ailing career with some top class performances. He then moved to Drogheda United in 2005 where a falling out with boss Paul Doolin paved the way for a return to Richmond Park in 2006.

While all around him are being dropped and recalled sporadically this season, he has consistently maintained his berth in centre midfield culminating in a brace against a strong Cork City team tonight to score his 4th and 5th goals of the season. Every Pat’s move of worth seems to either begin or end with Fahey on the ball, alert, prepared and able. While eircom league players are often guilty of thumping aimless balls forward in search of glory, Fahey abstains from such wastage and, like a catalyst that so often spurs his side to victory, delivers calm and measured passes while gathering as many assists as he does quality goals.

Pat’s boss John McDonnell believes Fahey’s efforts this season have merited a call-up to the Irish squad, especially since new Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 40-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Serbia. “Is someone playing for Rotherham or some reserve teams in England better than Keith Fahey? I definitely think he (Trapattoni) should take a chance on him. He has matured a lot this season, his defensive game is better and every time the standards lift, his performance lifts. I don’t think it would phase him, but I definitely think he should have a look.”

If Fahey can keep up his current form, an international call-up will be inevitable, but would Giovanni Trapattoni be inclined to catch the 19 or the 123 out to Inchicore on a rainy Friday night to have a look? He may have no choice if Fats can continue to prove his worth.