It hasn’t taken long for Cillian Sheridan to leave a mark on New Zealand.
After playing for nine different teams around Europe, Sheridan has taken his talents to Wellington Phoenix and wasted no time in endearing himself to his new supporters.
The Cavan man signed for the Hyundai A-League side last week after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Sheridan came off the bench on the hour-mark of Wellington’s five-goal thriller against Western Sydney Wanderers and impressed fans with his cameo.
After picking up a booking, Sheridan then showed some wonderful technique in freeing teammate Roy Krishna into space to score Wellington’s second goal of the game with a defence-splitting pass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=241&v=bPbmeBJfoXw
There was more late drama as the Wanderers equalised again but Sheridan’s debut proved to be a triumphant one as the visitors clinched the victory thanks to a winner in the 89th minute, with Sheridan involved in the build-up.
Sheridan didn’t even take umbrage with the fact that commentator and former Premier League midfielder Robbie Slater repeatedly referred to him by the wrong name, instead finding a positive spin on the slip of the tongue.
Mr. Slattery knows. Don’t be the sheep, be the Shepherd https://t.co/s3NFWM4Hss
— Cillian Sheridan (@CillianSheridan) January 8, 2019
The journalist looking after the match report for the NZ Herald had no issues remembering Sheridan’s name, however, as he lauded the instant impact of the 29-year-old.
Reporter Jason Pine wrote: “Wellington’s new Irish striker Cillian Sheridan made himself an instant hero, arriving impressively off the bench as a second-half substitute to tee up Krishna for what looked to be the winning goal after 82 minutes.
“And Sheridan was also involved in the winner, back-heeling cleverly into the path of fellow replacement Max Burgess whose near post cross was gleefully headed home by Krishna to secure the Phoenix all three points.
“Sheridan was introduced for David Williams after 63 minutes and immediately showed some nice touches, including a tracer bullet which flew narrowly over the crossbar.”
Supporters, meanwhile, were unanimous with their reaction to the debut of the Irishman who has three caps to his name for the Republic of Ireland.
Fark me @CillianSheridan looks a great pick up. What a cracking intro tonight. #WSWvWEL
Rudan you keep doing your thing #nix— B.s Bolyn (@basbolyn) January 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/fabz4826/status/1082592132769038337
https://twitter.com/adamururoa/status/1082593480872910848?
Also: Cillian Sheridan looks fantastic. That’s a difference maker right there. #WSWvWEL
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) January 8, 2019
@CillianSheridan welcome to the club, cracking debut assist!
— Ben Wilson 🇳🇿🇬🇧 (@wheronui) January 8, 2019
The Footballing Gods have sent their only son and messiah @CillianSheridan to deliver the @WgtnPhoenixFC to the promised land.
— hotlinejim (@jday4994) January 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/dfordeeps/status/1082589557659361281
The @WgtnPhoenixFC have done it again!! 7 games on the trot!!So so impressed with Cillian Sheridan.The moment he came on he was creating opportunities for the Team.And Krishna was at his absolute blinding best again.Mark Rudan is the MAN!!#GoNix#YellowFever👊🏻⚽️🙌🏻👏🏻
— 🦋Nicola Holgate🦋🇳🇿 (@YahHolgate) January 8, 2019
Great feet for a big man. @CillianSheridan @WarbzFC
— David Capel (@capes_nz) January 8, 2019
