Before we delve into last season’s Irish Cup success, you’ve made an impressive start to this season, earning the Player of the Month award. How satisfied are you with your early performances and the momentum you’ve built so far?
“On a personal level, winning awards like Player of the Month is always gratifying. It’s a clear indication that I’m performing at my best and achieving the results I aim for. I hope to maintain this level of performance moving forward.
“As a team, we’re focused on continuous improvement. Our goal is to build on our current form, starting with a positive result on Saturday, and then we’ll take it from there.”
You initially joined Cliftonville last season on loan before making the move permanent in January. How would you assess your time with the club overall given that Irish Cup victory was something the club had been chasing for decades?
“Yeah, obviously when I came in, you know, once I eventually got into the team, it was nothing but positivity. That came from the gaffer wanting me to play more, to be braver and more positive, and just bring out the best in my game whenever I can. He’s been doing that every week, feeding me positivity and giving me encouraging words that help me perform well.
“And then, obviously, last season was massive. A lot of the lads had been at the club for years, so for me, only coming in last August, the fans took to me like a breath of fresh air. They made me feel so welcome.
“I kind of felt like one of them when we won that cup. You know, I really felt like I was part of them. It was great. Getting to Europe was a huge achievement and an incredible experience as well.”
Let’s talk about the Cup Final itself. You picked up an injury and had to come off, which is quite uncommon for goalkeepers. Throughout your career, you’ve maintained a strong, consistent run of games whenever you’ve been on the pitch. How frustrating was it for you to face that setback, especially on such a significant occasion?
“Yeah, obviously, it was very sad. Having my family there, and my dad coming from Nigeria—it was his first time watching me all season, and it was his first game for the Reds. So, coming off the way I did, when I did, was disappointing. But to be fair, the players, the fans, and even the people around the club got me through that pain.
“Watching from the sideline with an injured leg isn’t the best feeling, but obviously, the lads pulled through. Myself and Casey got injured, and you could really see the determination from all the players who came on and those on the pitch to cross the line, get over the line, and, of course, bring home the trophy.”
From a family perspective, as a young player in your early 20s, winning a national cup is a significant achievement. With your dad traveling all the way from Nigeria to witness it, how proud was that moment for both you and your family? What did it mean to share such a milestone with them?
“Massive, because the last two seasons I hadn’t been playing regularly. For them, it was tough because, obviously, I want to play every week, and not seeing me in the starting lineup hurts them as much as it hurts me.
“So, to see me playing week in, week out, performing the way I did last season, and then bringing home silverware, was massive for them as much as it was for me.”
Looking back at the start of your career, you spent time at Drogheda and St. Pat’s, where you certainly made an impact, particularly at Drogheda. How would you describe your experience in the League of Ireland, and what influence did it have on your development as a player?
“Yeah, I came into Drogheda at a very young age, and I just wanted to experience first-team football. At the time, they were in the First Division. Looking back, I had a really strong pre-season, and the gaffer, Tim Clancy, trusted me and gave me the chance. From there, I matured and started delivering good performances.
“In my first season, getting promoted was a huge achievement, and in my second season, we had a really successful run in the Premier Division, where I played a lot of games. When I moved to St. Pat’s, it wasn’t as smooth, to be honest, but it was definitely a learning curve. Not playing every week fueled my hunger and brought a different kind of maturity from being on the sidelines.
“In my second season at St. Pat’s, I managed to play a few games, but I didn’t hold on to my spot. But again, it was a learning experience. You realize you have to do everything to keep your place, and since then, I’ve pushed myself to be more ruthless and demanding of myself to perform consistently and keep my shirt.
“As a goalkeeper, there’s only one position, and you’ve got to hold on to it for the whole season and beyond. It’s been a journey, but I’m just getting started.”
I’m interested to ask you about your confidence on the ball, which has been a standout feature of your game. Were you always a goalkeeper, or did you play outfield as a kid?
“Yeah, as a kid, I played outfield. I started off as a striker and then transitioned to goalkeeper around the age of 10. For the first four or five years of my footballing career, I was a striker. But I think, in the modern game, being comfortable on the ball is a requirement for goalkeepers.
“Reflecting on my time at St. Pat’s, working with Pat Jennings Jr was crucial. He really emphasised the importance of being comfortable with my feet, working on my first touch, and improving my passing. I give him credit because, before joining St. Pat’s, I needed to develop these skills. Drogheda played a more direct style, so it wasn’t as crucial there. St. Pat’s, however, had a completely different style of play, and that’s where I really worked on it.
“Now, at Cliftonville, the style of play is similar to St. Pat’s in terms of wanting to play out from the back. Since I’ve been here, I’ve continued to focus on those skills and will keep working on them.”
As you’ve mentioned, you’re just getting started in your career. You’ve already achieved significant milestones, including winning the First Division Championship with Drogheda and the Irish Cup with Cliftonville.
With valuable experience now under your belt as a young goalkeeper, what are your aspirations for the future?
“I’ve always set high standards for myself and aimed for ambitious goals. My ultimate aspiration is to play at the highest level in European football, wherever that may be.
“I’m focused on achieving my goals step by step, day by day. While I don’t want to reveal too much, I am committed to playing at the high lest possible level.
“I am very happy at Cliftonville and grateful to the club and the management team for providing me with the opportunity to play regularly, which is crucial for building experience and developing as a footballer.
“My determination is to keep advancing and reach levels the highest level of football that I possibly can.”
Featured image: Cliftonville FC
Callum McFadden 