Colgan ready to savour his long-awaited opportunity

INTERNATIONAL recognition was so long coming to Nicky Colgan that he is now determined to savour every moment of it.

But his thoughts, when yesterday promised his first senior international start against Australia, were for his late father, David, who missed out on the excitement.

“He died a few years ago” said the Drogheda-born goalkeeper, “and I’m just sorry he is not here to share this experience. He was a big influence on my career and I’ve waited 12 years since I first turned professional for this moment.”

Colgan will be 30 next month and he will play in his fourth senior international match for Ireland today since he was promoted to the squad by manager Brian Kerry last February.

His previous three appearances were as a substitute in friendlies against Scotland, Denmark and Norway. And Kerr’s promise to start him against Australia climaxed a period during which the relaxed goalkeeper enjoyed a spectacular change in his fortunes.

Colgan has spent almost all of his 12 years as a professional battling to establish himself as first-choice at a succession of clubs. It was less than three years ago, when he moved to Hibs in Scotland, that he earned for himself a regular first-team place.

Previous to that he had moved from Drogheda Boys to Chelsea and started one game for the first team over the next eight years. He had loan spells at Bournemouth, Reading and Grimsby but always as cover.

Rangers’ current team manager, Alex McLeish, finally offered him the support he needed and the first team exposure he craved at Hibs but when the manager moved to Glasgow then Colgan’s career stalled. At the end of last season he was told he would not figure by current team boss Bobby Williamson and encouraged to look for a club.

His contract at Hibs still has a year to run but Colgan is hoping his change of luck over the past two weeks presages a permanent move and several more seasons as the main item on the dance floor. He was recruited by Stockport, again on loan, and has just played three consecutive matches for them.

He said yesterday: “It has been a good 10 days for me. I was a bit down in the dumps over the summer knowing that Hibs did not want me but all of a sudden the picture is much more promising.

“The match against Australia is going out live on Sky Sports so I will be in the shop window. But what is more important, of course, is that I play well and do a good job for the team.”

Colgan played underage football for Ireland under Brian Kerr and he was a team-mate of Gary Kelly’s when playing for Drogheda Boys. While Kelly’s career with Leeds United and Ireland took him to the very top and to two World Cup final tournaments, Colgan was forced to labour unsung amongst the reserves.

The retirement last season of Dean Kiely and Alan Kelly brought him to the forefront and with Kerr re-establishing his association with a player who thrives on confidence, this current run with Stockport and Ireland represents an opportunity Colgan does not intent to waste. He said: “I will have a few nerves when I run out with Ireland for the first time at the start of a match, of course I will, that’s only natural. But I’ve played against some of the Australians before - Mark Viduka, Tony Vidmar and Craig Moore - and I’m looking forward to it.”

Colgan has particular memories of Viduka when he played at Parkhead with Celtic.

“He scored from the penalty spot against me, he’s a very good player, he’s strong, holds the ball up well and brings other players into it. He’ll be a handful.”

Colgan’s attitude was consistent with a player whose loyalty has been matched only by his modesty. Maybe now his career might be opening up to provide him with some of the prominence his ability deserves for in his appearances as substitute for Ireland he has looked well up to the demands of the job.

He said: “I thought I did well when I came on against Norway last time out. I know Shay (Given) is first-choice and I cannot expect that to change any day soon but if I’m called upon I will be ready.”