Shamrock Rovers ace on his future and redemption after European red card as title chase heats up
Neil Farrugia scored a crucial goal against Shelbourne just days after he was sent off in the Europa Conference League.
If this past week has taught Neil Farrugia anything, it’s that you can’t dwell too long on anything in football.
Within three days of his red card in Shamrock Rovers’ Europa Conference League opener against APOEL Nicosia, the flying wing-back was celebrating a crucial goal in the Hoops’ late title charge.
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for the 25-year-old, who acknowledged after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Shelbourne: “This week I had both (lows and highs), didn't I?
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“To be fair, I was low after the red card on Thursday but we did get a point and I guess in some ways it was a blessing in disguise because I felt fresh enough coming into this match (against Shels).”
Some of the sting of Farrugia’s red against APOEL was eased when Dylan Watts headed home an injury-time equaliser to earn Rovers a massive point.
Having as big a game as the Shels one so soon after was another big help.
“I would be the type to kind of get emotional after those sorts of events,” he admitted, “but in some ways having a game so close means you've a chance to redeem yourself instead of having to wait a week or whatever it is.
“I kind of say I'll give myself 24 hours and then I'm back on it.”
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Reflecting on Watts’ equaliser last Thursday, he added: “My head was probably thinking that nine times out of ten we're losing that game but it wasn't the case.”
Farrugia was still around the dressing room area when Watts put the ball in the Cypriot net, so the roar of the crowd told him what had happened..
“I didn't want to have the phone out because there was going to be a delay anyway, so I just thought I'd wait to hear the crowd.”
Fast-forward again to Sunday and to a happier occasion for the former UCD man, who teed up Jack Byrne for the opener before scoring the second four minutes from time.
His goal was well taken, a low curling effort across the goalkeeper from a tight angle, with the ball resting inside the far post.
But much of the credit went to his teammate Graham Burke, for an incredible backheel nutmeg assist.
“I knew Burkey knew I was there. I didn't know how he would get it to me but to be fair to him he did, it was a great assist,” said Farrugia, who was mistakenly booked in the first-half.
Referee Neil Doyle mis-identified him over a foul on Shelbourne’s Ali Coote and showed him a yellow card instead of Danny Mandroiu.
“I was fuming because I was like 'oh not an early yellow card again' because then it was playing on my head,” he admitted.
“To be fair Neil Doyle said to me at the end that it was a mistake and he was sorry.”
Farrugia admits that he is unsure where his future lies beyond this season.
Regardless, he is certain how he wants to end the campaign - by helping Rovers come back from the dead to claim a fifth Premier Division title in a row.
“I haven't decided,” he said of his future. “I think there's a lot to play for here with Rovers with the European stuff and I still think we're in good shape to give the title a proper go.
“So my full focus is on Rovers for the moment and we'll see what happens after.”
He added: “We have given ourselves a chance in the league and that's all we could have done over the last few games, with a busy schedule as well, with the Europeans this week.
“To win the game and give ourselves a proper chance in the league, that's all we can do.
“I guess it's a different position than we've been in in previous years because in previous years we were always the ones at the top having to keep going but now we're the one chasing and it's a different feeling.
“I guess there's maybe less pressure because it's tough being at the top and having to keep going knowing that there's teams winning behind you.
“Finish with three wins, that's the aim and we'll see where it takes us.”
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