Cherrie commited to Dundalk cause

DUNDALK goalkeeper Peter Cherrie has stated his desire to remain at the club for the foreseeable future, and says speculation linking him with a move away from Oriel Park “goes in one ear and out the other”.

The 28-year-old is one of only two players to feature for the Lilywhites in each of their Premier Division campaigns since promotion in late 2008, and last Friday night he made his 100th league appearance, against Derry City.

In doing so, he becomes the first player to achieve that feat for the club since his predecessor and countryman Chris Bennion, who made 174 appearances in all competitions over a six-year stay.

And seventh-placed Cherrie does not only want to surpass Bennion in fourth on Dundalk’s All-Time Goalkeepers’ Appearances list – he is eyeing top spot, where Richie Blackmore sits on 407, if the club and time allow.

“If I could achieve it then definitely; it’s a record to break,” Cherrie, who has made 123 outings in total, said.

“But, that’s up to the club and whether they want to keep me here. That’s not in my control, really. But if I can break it then great.
 

“Friday was a big milestone for me. I knew nothing about it until this week; someone put it on Twitter and it was my missus that told me.
 

“I’d definitely like to be here for another 100 league appearances at least. I just hope it happens.”
 

Asked if constant speculation about a move away from the border club affects him, the Bellshill-born star insisted: “No – it goes in one ear and out the other.
 

“Until somebody approaches me, it doesn’t affect me whatsoever.”
 

Cherrie arrived from Scottish side Clyde, where he was part of the famous Cup giant-killing of Celtic, during the 2009 July transfer window.
 

He has gone on to become the undisputed No1 and firm fans’ favourite at Oriel Park, but admits that staying at the club this long never entered his mind when he first signed.
 

“I honestly never ever thought about it,” he said.
 

“I just take each year as it comes and if I’m here, I’m here, and if I’m not then I’m not.
 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve done a lot in the past three years; I met my fiancée here and I’ve got a house, so I’m practically a local!
 

“I’ve settled into the town really well. Everybody knows where I live but they never bother me. Everybody has always been nice to me.”
 

Counting the Club and Players’ Player of the Year awards for 2010, along with the 5-1 mauling of Shamrock Rovers and his debut on the European stage during that season, as his highlights so far, Cherrie believes he is close to rediscovering his best form.

“My current form is OK; I suppose you could say it’s getting back to where it was,” Peter said.

“That’s down to me and Martin (Connolly), and Dermot (O’Neill) who was here. I’m doing double sessions every Tuesday and Thursday myself.

“It’s down to hard work. I’m getting back to my best. I don’t think I’m there just yet. I’ve got wee bits and pieces to work on, and, as I say, I’m doing double sessions to work on that.

“I will get there – it won’t take me long.”