So far, so good as Cork City go Dutch with netminder Tein Troost

The Rebel Army have the option to make the goalkeeper's loan move permanent.

Fri, 28 Mar, 2025 - 07:48

John Fallon

Tales of strikers converting to goalkeepers around Cork tend to throw up Caoimhin Kelleher’s name but there was a similar metamorphosis for City’s current stopper.

Tein Troost was ready to veer his career away from football at 11 when a trial with his local club resulted in rejection.

“I threw the letter in the bin because I was so disappointed,” explains the Dutchman from Breda. “People around me mentioned I could try a new position and thought I might like playing in goal.

“It was between myself and another goalkeeper to join my local amateur club but it turned out a scout from NAC Breda spotted me and I got invited in.”

At 23, Troost remains on the books of Eredivisie club but that only tells a slice of his story.

Feyenoord recruited the budding Netherlands underage goalkeeper at 16 before he returned to his hometown club at the start of last season.

He made a dozen appearances along their march to promotion that was clinched by overcoming Troy Parrott’s Excelsior in June.

It was a clean slate under new manager, former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City defender Carl Hoefkens, but Troost grew impatient at the lack of exposure under the Belgian.

When loan options were contemplated with the January transfer window looming, Ireland and Cork initially didn’t enter the equation until his agency – through Erik ten Hag’s son Nigel – suggested he venture further afield.

The name didn’t initially register directly, until he consulted with his other half.

“My girlfriend had been nicknamed Corky from coming on holidays a few years earlier,” he explained. “She had plenty of good things to say but I needed to talk to the manager and see the place for myself.”

That he did, firstly on a Zoom call to Tim Clancy and then on a visit to the training ground. It’s a temporary deal until July but City hold a purchase option.

So far, so good after five games. The Rebels might only have a single win but they’ve lost just once.

The most recent of their three draws was at champions Shelbourne before the international break. On Friday, they’re back at a packed Turner’s Cross, before the live television cameras too, as Clancy’s former club and early leaders Drogheda United visit.

City’s volatile Premier Division comeback season in 2023 was characterised by using five goalkeepers, the first of whom, Celtic loanee Tobi Oluwayemi, didn’t return after the opening pair of games.

Fans may have feared a repeat when a couple of blunders blotted Troost’s first appearance, a friendly at Bishopstown against Bohemians.

“I didn’t worry about that,” he reflects. “Yes, I made mistakes for two goals but it was a friendly and I was with teammates for the first time. At home, you might get left on your own but it was different here. Everybody was supportive and backed me.”

They’ve been vindicated for their faith, as the newcomer has excelled. Galway United’s aerial assault on the opening night was an experience, albeit one he was prepped on, while his acrobatic save from Tommy Lonergan against Waterford didn’t get the credit it deserved due to Kyle White following in the rebound to convert.

Excitement abounded when he recently visited the Tallaght Stadium he shared Euro U17 gold medal celebrations with a Dutch squad including Brian Brobbey and Ian Maatsen but the game against Shamrock Rovers was washed out.

That refixed fixture against the Hoops is one of seven City confront over the next month. He’s settled into his work and personal life, sharing accommodation with compatriot Malik Dijksteel, and a game, home and away, hasn’t passed without friends and family being in the stands.

“It’s a different style in League of Ireland but I would say the standard is the same as lower Eredivisie and higher Kitchen (second tier),” he noted.

“Some people say I should be further ahead in my career by 23 but goalkeepers don’t peak until 26 or 27.

“I’m really enjoying my time at Cork City, on and off the pitch, and I’m glad to help the team. What happens after the summer, I don’t know because the option is with Cork City.

“Thinking week to week is fine for me right now.”

Quick thinking served him well a dozen years ago, so he's entitled to go with his gut.