Baker delighted to be back at Rovers
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Dessie Baker got the all important goal for Shamrock Rovers last Friday at Tallaght against Sligo Rovers, but it could have all been very different for the Tallaght native.
Former Hoops manager Pat Scully signed Baker from Longford Town in December 2007, but things didn't really work out under Scully for the former Manchester Utd trainee. The then Dundalk manager John Gill took the striker to Oriel Park on loan for the second half of the season, but it's fair to say that Baker wasn't at his best during his brief spell at the County Louth club.
The 31-year-old now seems to be enjoying a new lease of life under new Rovers boss Michael O'Neill. Baker told extratime.ie: "I'm just delighted to be back with Rovers after going on loan to Dundalk last season. I spoke to Michael at the start of the season and he said it's a fresh start for everyone, and that he wanted me back to show him what I can do. To be fair to him that was great and just what I wanted to hear."
Looking ahead to Friday's clash at Dalymount against double winners Bohemians, Baker was keen to stress that the fixture is no bigger, or more important, than games against anyone else: "Every game is a big game for Rovers, the big games will keep coming. Last Friday was an extra special night and a big game for us and the fans. We came through it, and hopefully we will do the same on Friday against Bohs."
Baker will come up against former manager Pat Fenlon and team mates Jason Byrne and Owen Heary on Friday night - but playing against former colleagues is nothing new for the former Shelbourne player: "Yeah they have a few familiar faces for me, but I'm so long in this league at this stage that I nearly know every player at every team, so Friday wont be any different that way."
Bohemians host Shamrock Rovers on Friday, March 20th. Kick off at Dalymount Park is at 7.35pm. As always, extratime.ie, will be there to bring you all the action.
Former Hoops manager Pat Scully signed Baker from Longford Town in December 2007, but things didn't really work out under Scully for the former Manchester Utd trainee. The then Dundalk manager John Gill took the striker to Oriel Park on loan for the second half of the season, but it's fair to say that Baker wasn't at his best during his brief spell at the County Louth club.
The 31-year-old now seems to be enjoying a new lease of life under new Rovers boss Michael O'Neill. Baker told extratime.ie: "I'm just delighted to be back with Rovers after going on loan to Dundalk last season. I spoke to Michael at the start of the season and he said it's a fresh start for everyone, and that he wanted me back to show him what I can do. To be fair to him that was great and just what I wanted to hear."
Looking ahead to Friday's clash at Dalymount against double winners Bohemians, Baker was keen to stress that the fixture is no bigger, or more important, than games against anyone else: "Every game is a big game for Rovers, the big games will keep coming. Last Friday was an extra special night and a big game for us and the fans. We came through it, and hopefully we will do the same on Friday against Bohs."
Baker will come up against former manager Pat Fenlon and team mates Jason Byrne and Owen Heary on Friday night - but playing against former colleagues is nothing new for the former Shelbourne player: "Yeah they have a few familiar faces for me, but I'm so long in this league at this stage that I nearly know every player at every team, so Friday wont be any different that way."
Bohemians host Shamrock Rovers on Friday, March 20th. Kick off at Dalymount Park is at 7.35pm. As always, extratime.ie, will be there to bring you all the action.
