Dundalk FC defender is “raring to go”
Dan Pike is excited for game against Shels
As Dundalk FC prepares to return to action after a three-week break, full-back Dan Pike is eager to get back on the pitch.
Pike joined the club from Tranmere Rovers in July and has settled in quickly, and his excitement is palpable as the team gears up for their upcoming match against Shelbourne tonight.
He said: “We are all excited for the game – just raring to go”. The abrupt cancellation of last week's game against St. Patrick's Athletic was a significant disruption for the squad.
For Pike, who had already made travel plans to return home to the UK, the late decision was particularly frustrating. “It was obviously really frustrating.
“We worked hard all week (getting) ready for the game and then for it to be cancelled 46 hours before was obviously very frustrating for all of us,” he said.
The last-minute change forced Pike to cancel his flights back to England, a reminder of the unpredictability that comes with the territory in football.
“I had two sets of flights booked. One for after the Shels game and one for next Thursday and with the schedule change now I am unable to go on those flights,” he explained.
“It is what it is at the end of the day. Football is mad, anything can change in a matter of hours so you just have to adapt. I'm raring to go now.”
With the season entering an important period, Pike knows the importance of staying focused. He said: “Every game is massive between now and the end of the season.
“We've just got to take it game by game, I think and have got to be really positive going into each game thinking we can win every game.”
Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has been settling in well, growing more comfortable with each match. “I am really enjoying it.
“The lads have been great to me, to be fair. The gaffer and all the staff have been great with me as well so yeah no complaints from me,” he said on his time so far at Oriel Park.
Adjusting to the team’s rhythm midseason wasn’t easy, but the defender is feeling stronger and more confident with each performance.
“Every game I am feeling quicker, feeling stronger, and feeling better,” he noted, pointing to his standout performance against Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium as a turning point.
“I definitely felt more comfortable at right back, more natural but wherever the gaffer wants me to play I will play and give my all.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming matches, Pike knows the stakes are high, especially with the Lilywhites battle to avoid relegation.
Reflecting on Drogheda United’s recent 7-0 victory over Sligo Rovers, Pike remains focused on what his team can control.
“We are obviously focused on ourselves now and it is in our hands at the end of the day. We have got to do what we've got to do and as long as we perform and pick up some results I'm positive that come the end of the season we will be alright.”
Tonight’s match offers Dundalk a chance to leapfrog their rivals, applying pressure on Drogheda before their Sunday game.
“If we win today then it moves us back into ninth and all of a sudden they're a bit nervous going into their game thinking I don't want to be bottom of the table,” Pike said.
As Dundalk prepares for two important home games at Oriel Park, the defender is confident in his team’s ability to secure maximum points.
“We have got to go into each game with loads of confidence. We have got to think, do you know what we can beat these there is no reason why we can't.”
Facing Shelbourne, who have been near the top of the league for much of the season, Pike remains focused.
“Obviously they are up there for a reason being pretty consistent throughout the season but we have just got to focus on ourselves going into the game and if we carry out the game plan then I am sure there is no reason why we can't come away with three points.”