Cork's Aaron Drinan finally finds a home from home at Leyton Orient

Cork's Aaron Drinan scored a hat-trick for Leyton Orient last weekend, earning himself a place in the Fifa22 Team of the Week. It's been a slow rise for the former Carrigaline United striker, who joined Ipswich four years ago. But he has never lost belief in his ability. 

Aaron Drinan of Leyton Orient celebrates his goal with Ruel Sotiriou during the Carabao Cup First Round game against Queens Park Rangers at The Breyer Group Stadium last August. Picture Jacques Feeney/Getty

When Aaron Drinan arrived at Ipswich Town this time four years ago it was hard to avoid the hype. The striker, initially a product of Carrigaline United, was so highly endorsed by Mick McCarthy and then captain Luke Chambers that he was nicknamed ‘Murph’, after fellow striker Daryl, solely from his performances on the training pitch.

There were premature comparisons and lofty expectations. Then the harsh realisation of English football’s capriciousness provided a proverbial kick in the teeth.