Ryan O’Kane fast becoming Lilywhite’s star attraction
Local talent Ryan O’Kane was the star of the show as Dundalk FC ended their preparations for the SSE Airtricity League season with a 3-1 friendly-win over Wexford.
The 19-year-old prospect, who signed a long-term contract last October, wowed the Oriel Park faithful with two goals, in what was an otherwise typical pre-season encounter.
O’Kane was in the right place at the right time on 13 minutes to give The Lilywhites a 1-0 lead, but it was his second on 70 minutes that got those in attendance off their seats.
The ex-Warrenpoint Town player was alert to Paul Doyle’s ball over the top, and he left two Wexford defenders for dead before producing a tidy finish into the bottom corner.
Such has been O’Kane’s emergence in recent times, it is likely that the Ardee Road native will be one of the first names on the teamsheet come Friday night’s opener against UCD.
“The second goal especially, he was very sharp,” reflected head coach Stephen O’Donnell following the Wexford victory.
“He’s very dangerous, can go both ways when he gets in those positions, and it was a great finish. For the first goal, coming in after the ball, it was sort of ricocheted, half a chance, and then it dropped to him and he finished it well.”
Another player that’s caught the eye in recent friendlies is Scottish forward Cameron Elliott, who bagged his third goal in five pre-season outings just before the interval.
“It was good for Cammy Elliott to get on the scoresheet,” added O’Donnell. “I think he’s got three now in pre-season. He comes alive in the box, that’s what we knew about him. He has a great goalscoring record. He’s only 23 and he’ll be a big threat in the box.”
Named captain on the night against Wexford was Alfie Lewis, who was only signed halfway through last season, having played under O’Donnell at St Patrick’s Athletic.
“I thought he had some really good games last season. Obviously I know what Alfie can do from signing him at St Pats. He has loads of ability to add to the quality we have. I don’t think we got any issues from the game there, so we’re really excited for Friday.”