Club’s newest Irish recruit ready to strike

Southern United striker Garbhan Coughlan shows off his skills during a team practice at Tahuna...
Southern United striker Garbhan Coughlan shows off his skills during a team practice at Tahuna Park in Dunedin last night. Photo: Linda Robertson
Southern United Irish import Garbhan Coughlan has a firm idea about how many goals he would like to put in the back of the net this season.

Nine if he is playing up front and six if he is tucked in behind the main striker.

The 24-year-old from Limerick will settle for more, of course, and he has the pedigree to deliver. The pacey forward helped Limerick win the first division last year with some dynamic form up front. He was also part of the team which won in 2012 and in 2013 he won it with Athlone Town while on loan.

Southern United finished bottom last season but has set its sights on the top six and that is the priority. But Coughlan has a specific goal in mind as well. Or more precisely, a specific number of goals in mind.

"If I was playing a more advanced role I’d be looking for a goal every second game. You try to keep it in your head because if you believe you can do it then there is nothing to stop you."

Coughlan arrived in Dunedin three weeks ago and has moved in with two of his team-mates and fellow Irishmen, Stephen Last and Conor O’Keeffe.

He is familiar with his flatmates, having played against them in Ireland. He also knew Southern United coach Paul O’Reilly before arriving.

That connection proved useful when Coughlan decided to spread his wings.

"I’d been living in Limerick for 23 years and never really gone anywhere.

"Some friends were going to Canada and I thought, geez, I might go do that. That would be a great idea like — get out and see the world like."

"I got in touch [with O’Reilly] and he said ‘look, there is an opportunity if you want to make your way down here.

"They are playing at a high standard, the league is good and there are Irish lads down here so you won’t feel on your own."

Coughlan was born and raised in Limerick.  He is the oldest of three boys who all play football. His father, Liam, encouraged his sons and coached them through the grades.

The local football club was "right beside my house" but when Coughlan was 13, he made the move to Cork which would be akin to playing for Canterbury when you are from Otago.

The rivalry is well-entrenched but Coughlan got to play in a more skilful league.He signed with Limerick FC when he was 16 and the learning curve proved brutal.

"You had 19-year-olds trying to break into the first team and kids like me who were 16 and skinny. It was tough. There is always someone else who will come along to take your place."

He made his debut as a 17-year-old and has mostly played in the No10 role. But Limerick was struggling for a striker last year, so he stepped up and scored some good goals to help the club claim the title.

Coughlan has only played two warm-up games for Southern United but has been impressed.

"There are 20-odd players who are very, very good and everyone seems to work hard. I don’t really know the league but what I’ve heard from the lads is I don’t see why we can’t push for the top six."

And while it took a daunting  35 hours to travel here, Coughlan is open to returning next season.

"If the season goes well and the players and Paul want me here again, then I don’t see why not."

Southern United opens its campaign against Auckland City at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Sunday.

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