Mickey Harte defends McStravick goalkeeper call

Louth manager Mickey Harte has defended his decision to play Peter McStravick in goals against Derry last Sunday, as he continues his search for a keeper capable of also getting involved out the field.

The Young Ireland’s clubman had earned his place in the National League panel having had a strong club Championship last season. He featured in the O’Byrne Cup earlier this year as a forward, meaning his selection in between the posts came as a surprise to pretty much everyone.

Louth’s kickout strategy was lamented following their loss to Clare a week earlier. Knowing they were going to play it long more that short against the Oak Leafers, the Tyrone native felt his kicking asset’s justified his selection in the starting 15.

“You have to gamble a bit here and there” noted Harte. “We obviously knew he had a good kick off the ground and that was something we used well today, getting the ball away from our goals. The contests were then in the other half of the field rather than ours.

“It is something only some people have, that length in their kick. We said we needed to gamble today and see how it goes. It was a big ask of somebody who hadn’t done this before. I think he equipped himself well.”

The 22-year-old is the third keeper to feature for the Wee County in as many games, with Declan Byrne, another converted forward, wearing the Number 1 jersey last week and Martin McEneaney, a regular goalie for his club St Patrick’s, getting the nod in the O’Byrne Cup Final.

All are trying to fill the shoes of James Califf, who successfully made the transition to a spot between the sticks. The Dreadnots playmaker has taken a step back from the panel for now, having recently got married. However, Harte didn’t rule out him featuring before the year is out.

“He hasn’t gone from the scene just yet, but it all depends how much time he can commit to it, which we are not certain of yet. He is involved with the Louth Minors as well and is working in Dublin more then he used to. So things could be difficult for him. But he’s still under consideration.”