Mountney set for Oriel return as the Saints look to heap more misery on Dundalk
By Daire Walsh
ST PATRICK’S Athletic defender/midfielder John Mountney will be looking to put emotion to one side when the Saints face Dundalk at Oriel Park in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division on Saturday.
In December 2020, the Mayo native brought the curtain down on a nine-season stint with the Lilywhites that had seen him accumulate no fewer than 15 winners’ medals. Nonetheless, his focus is now on St Pat’s and continuing their excellent opening to the current campaign.
“We’re taking it week by week and this is no different. It’s a big game for us” stressed Mountney.
“Going away to Dundalk, who haven’t had the start they wanted, but they’re a good side. It’s something we’re looking forward to.
“I spent nine seasons at Dundalk and I’m still living in the town. Of course it’s great to return and play against them, but what I’m looking forward to is hitting the ground running at St Pat’s. It’s just another game really.”
Given that he won no fewer than five league titles at the club, it may seem odd to Mountney that his former side is already nine points adrift of the table-topping Inchicore men.
Yet he insists they remain a quality side and Pat’s need to be wary of any potential backlash this weekend.
“It’s not where they want to be. Of course they’ll be looking for a positive reaction to that from the players’ he said.
“They’ve got a very good squad there and a great selection of players to pick from. We know we have to be at it because the players they have will be looking for a response.”
Accustomed to featuring in an advance role for much of his time at Dundalk, Mountney has found himself utilised at right-back since joining Pat’s at the beginning of the year. This is a challenge that excites the 28-year-old, who feels he is growing in confidence with each passing game in defence.
“Towards the second half of last season [with Dundalk] I was in a wing-back position, which I really enjoyed. Now I’m playing with Pat’s as a right-back. It’s a new position and I’m enjoying it,” Mountney added.
“It’s different in a sense that you’re not as involved at times in the goal scoring end or trying to contribute that way. I’m trying to do the defensive side right and the big thing is keeping clean sheets. It’s a position I’m really enjoying and still learning.”