Madden sets sights on victory

Bohemians striker Paddy Madden has set his sight on a victory ahead of his Airtricity League side’s friendly match against Manchester United on Wednesday evening in the first football match to be held in the new Aviva Stadium.

The young striker has come to prominence this season with some fine performances for the reigning league champions Bohemians and is looking to carry that winning mentality into the game.

“It’s a nice game to play in, but like in any game you expect to win”, Madden said. “We won’t treat this as a mess around in the park, we’ll be out there to win and hopefully we will get the win. Hopefully we can go out and do the league proud, hopefully other teams will keep coming over and help the Airtricity League and keep the funds coming in.”

Following the squads first training session with boss Damien Richardson, Madden was happy with how it went and is a fan of the style of the former Cork City boss.

“It was very good. I enjoyed the session today with Damien. He wants everything out of his players and I like that about a manager. He says to have confidence in yourself and if you have confidence you’re capable of beating anyone. We’re looking forward to the next few days working with him.”

Madden is delighted to be in the squad to face the side he has supported all his life and is looking forward to facing some of the world’s best players but a specific two in particular.

“When I heard that I’d got into the squad I was chuffed, because as a United fan I’m getting to play against the team I support all my life so I’m looking forward to it, looking forward to the day.”

“Rooney and Vidic and all of them. I look up to all of them as players.”

The week ahead will be a busy one for Madden as following the tie against Manchester United, he returns to Bohs to for a top of the table clash with Shamrock Rovers at the weekend, but he remains focussed while with his Airtricity League team mates until after the game.

“I’ll have the next few days when I’m with the Airtricity League squad and tune into this while I’m here. When I get back to Bohs I’ll tune into the [Shamrock] Rovers game. It’ll be a big occasion, top of the table clash, really looking forward to that game too.”

With no Bohs players having been expected to have been in the squad but for a disappointing European campaign, Madden admitted that Pat Fenlon was more than happy to allow his players represent the league.

“Pat [Fenlon] doesn’t hold any grudges against us playing in the squad, he’s great like that. He just said ‘go out and enjoy yourselves and show what you’re capable of doing.”