McAreavey in line for Robins debut start - March 9,
2001
It's an ill wind that blows no good: Kilkenny City midfielder Paul McAreavey - forced back to Britain by the foot and mouth crisis - is set to make his full debut for Swindon Town tomorrow!
The u21 Northern Ireland international was on loan from the Robins to Kilkenny City until the end of the season - but Swindon recalled him once the FAI cancelled all Eircom League and FAI Cup matches.
McAreavey came on as a sub against Oldham the other night - his first appearance for Swindon since May of last year - and within two minutes scored his first senior goal for the club.
Now the Belfast-born midfielder is in line to make his first senior start for the Robins against Oxford tomorrow.
"I'd really love to be involved against Oxford," he said. "I was pleased with my contribution against Oldham but it was only 15 minutes and I know how quickly football can turn around."
McAreavey played eleven games for Kilkenny City, scoring twice, and says he enjoyed his time at Buckley Park.
"Before I went out on loan things had gone a bit stale for me at Swindon. I just wanted to pay first team football, whether that was in the Conference or the League of Ireland,"
"I wasn't really doing myself justice but I enjoyed my time in Ireland. Now I'm back in Swindon I'm looking to keep myself fit. It was brilliant against Oldham on Tuesday and the boys really helped me to settle in again. Seeing everyone again was a bit of a shock and I was a bit nervous after being away for so long but they were great."