Tadhg Kennelly

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SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos says his new Irish recruit Brendan Murphy’s strong character and will to succeed will stand him in good stead in his adopted football code.

The Carlow teenager is yet to move to the Harbour City but is due to fly out to Australia with his now club mate Tadhg Kennelly in time for the start of the Swans’ pre-season training on November 12.

“He seemed to be a good kid and he seemed to have a good desire,” Roos said.

“That’s one of the main reasons that Tadhg has been so successful - he’s a good competitor and he wants to be successful. Brendan seems like that sort of kid as well; he seems really keen.”

Roos said the players’ desire was one of the most important considerations when recruiting from Ireland.

“I don’t think you’d relocate kids from that far away if they’re a little bit wishy-washy and not sure what they want to do because it’s very hard for them,” he said.

“We treat them the best we possibly can but they’re a long way from their families. There are going to be times when they’re homesick and thinking ‘what am I doing here?’, but if they’ve got that fierce desire, it makes a big difference.”

The teenager won’t be allowed to rest on his laurels while awaiting his departure. Roos says he’s got plenty to occupy him in the meantime.

“He’s got a football home with him. He’s got a kicking program and a weights program.”

As for established Sydney Swans star Tadhg Kennelly, he’s recovering from knee surgery which he underwent after the Swans lost to Collingwood in the first round of the finals series.

Unfortunately for Kennelly his injury meant he didn’t get the chance to line up against fellow Irishman Martin Clarke.

Roos says Kennelly is looking forward to having Irish company at the club.

“He’s really excited to have another Irishman coming over. But the problem for me is that when the two of them start talking, I’ve no idea what either of them is saying. I’ve told Tadhg they’re going to have to slow down.”

Despite the communicational difficulties, Roos says that he’s very much in favour of continuing with Irish recruitment in the future.

“Not many Irish players who’ve come over haven’t made, it so it’s a very fertile ground. Marty Clarke’s efforts this year have been fantastic, as well as Tadhg and Colm Begley, so I think there’ll be more kids coming over if we can get hold of them.”