AIRTRICITY LEAGUE SOCCER: GARY SHAW INTERVIEW
Shaw’s first European goal gives Rovers the edge heading into second leg
By Daire Walsh
LAST Thursday night at Stjörnuvöllur (in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík) represented a significant milestone in the career of Newbridge man Gary Shaw, as he claimed his first-ever European goal in a 1-0 opening leg Europa League qualifier victory for Shamrock Rovers against Stjarnan.
Shaw’s 38th-minute finish proved to be the difference between the sides, and while he is acutely aware that they have another job to do in the second leg at Tallaght on Thursday, he was delighted to get the Hoops’ latest continental campaign off to a flying start.
“Obviously I was involved in Europe last year, so I was looking forward to it coming around this year and obviously we wanted to do better than we did last year. It was always going to be a tough draw, Europe is always tough,” Shaw remarked.
“To get the win away from home was brilliant, and obviously to get the goal was even better. Delighted that we got the win and I got the goal, but the job is only half done now. We have them in Tallaght next Thursday. Hopefully we can just kick on now and put the tie to bed.”
Away trips in Europe have traditionally been tough experiences for Irish clubs, and playing on an astro turf in Iceland was a particular challenge for Stephen Bradley’s charges. However, because Rovers normally train on an artificial surface, Shaw felt they were able to mix their game in an effective manner.
“It was an astro turf pitch. It was a big pitch, but we train on astro turf every day, so we’re well used to the surface.
“They actually watered the pitch beforehand, and we got to train on it the night before just to get used to it. It wasn’t a barrier to how we play. We played a lot of good football on the night, and at times we do go long. We mixed our game up and made it difficult for them.”
In addition to his scoring exploits last Thursday, Shaw has contributed six goals for the Hoops in this season’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. The former Newbridge Town striker is currently the club’s chief scorer in the top-flight, and he believes his overall game is as stronger as it has ever been.
“I’m playing really well overall. My overall game is probably the best its been playing in the league. I suppose that’s why I’m playing every week, and I’m starting to score more goals now. I find myself getting a lot of opportunities. I worked hard in the off-season on different things, and I feel like it’s paying off.”
“I feel like fitness wise, and just my overall physical condition has improved a lot. I find myself that I can get through 90 minutes really well. I worked on my speed and strength, so it definitely stands to me this season.”
2017 has also been a memorable year off the pitch for Shaw, as his son Max was born back in February. He admits that becoming a father for the first time is ‘the best feeling in the world’, and is grateful for the help his partner provides when match nights come around.
“Yeah look, it’s the best feeling in the world. Last February we had Max, and he kept me up at night a couple of times. The missus has been great. She looks after him on match nights, so I can get my full night’s sleep. To be fair to her, she’s looking after me there.
“It’s great thing to be able to come back to after training. Coming back and seeing the smile on his face makes it all worth it. It’s a brilliant feeling, and it’s going to continue for the rest of my life.”
With the likes of Stephen McPhail and Damien Duff as part of the technical staff, there is plenty of experience for Shaw to call upon at Shamrock Rovers. Robbie Keane has also been training with the club as a way of maintaining his fitness ahead of an expected summer move, and Shaw revealed that he hasn’t lost any of sharpness in front of goal.
“It was funny. Stephen McPhail was walking towards me in the dressing room, and then Robbie Keane walked out of the dressing room. He was out of sight, and he came across me, and Stephen McPhail just said ‘oh Gary, this is Rob’. He didn’t need to introduce him to me, I knew well who it was!”
“It’s great having him there, and he does finishing with the strikers at the end of every session. He’s as sharp as ever, it’s unbelievable just watching him. He’s full of goals, and he just doesn’t seem to miss.
“He still has it, and I’m sure he has another year or two left in him,” Shaw added.