Today was another early morning to head off to training. I surprisingly woke to clear skies and the sun was shining, but who was really to know how long that would last. In the 8 days that I have been here, I’m pretty sure each day has had wind, rain, and sun. All part of the experience really.

As always, training began with a roll out session and stretch, before we did some pre scout of the opposition Derry is facing this Friday, Wexford Youths. It wasn’t too dissimilar to pre scouts we had at Quinnipiac. The manager just really wants the team to focus back on the task coming off of a two week mid season break so that was harped on a lot during the pre scout.

We then hit the field and got warmed up. A passing drill to get the feet going before we were into small sided possession. The session finished up with about a 20-30min 11v11 game. This was focused towards the game on Friday and the manager set up the likely

starting 11 against the rest. I was in the rest and I was put at right back. It was the first time I had played right back since my early seasons at Nelson Suburbs. However I adapted well and was able to show some of my defensive capabilities which I was pleased with. The training was kept fairly short because there were quite a few injuries compiling and so the manager didn’t want to risk many more players, with some key players missing training already. I got to speak to Donal O’Brien at the end of the session and he was checking in on how things were going and how I was feeling. I gave him all good feedback which I can only hope will help in the long run. He wants to have lunch at some stage in the next few days to really chat, so that should be great. But at the end of the day as he said, it is up to whether or not the Manager wants me. All an unknown at this stage and so I’ll just keep my head down and work away!

A quick shower and a snack before we headed across the river to the gym. It was a lighter session and only upper body today due to all the injuries there were. We were in and out in 30min, before we headed to a place to have ice baths! As always, they can be miserable but they bring good results and the legs feel a lot better afterwards.

Onwards home to eat and rest and watch the Euros. Another good training day in the books.