Junior praises 'one of the best' Rodney McAree after making a return to Dungannon Swifts
The lure of working with Rodney McAree once again was too good to turn down, according to Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.
The striker has made a return to Dungannon Swifts this summer after leaving the Co Tyrone-based side last January for a spell in Kuwait.
He certainly made an impact in his six-month stint at the Swifts as his ten goals meant he was the club’s joint top goalscorer – despite leaving midway through the season.
However, he is set to terrorise Irish League defences yet again after his international clearance was granted, meaning he is available for selection for Saturday’s contest at Portadown.
Junior also worked with McAree when the latter was at Glentoran, so when he was asked back to the Irish League, the 32-year-old was more than happy to ply his trade at Stangmore Park once again.
"I really enjoyed it and I liked playing under Rod,” he told Dungannon Swifts' social media platforms.
"The way the lads play, the style of football is something that I really enjoy, so I can't wait to get started again.
"I was with Rod at Glentoran and had a successful time there and obviously with Dungannon last season.
"He's probably one of the best managers I've played under, so it made sense to come back here.”
Junior was on the books at Al-Shabab in Kuwait but his playing time was limited due to the war in the Middle East.
The former Sligo Rovers, Derry City and Dundalk man, added: "It feels good to be back at Dungannon Swifts.
"It's a family club and I'm just happy to be here.
"Rod (McAree), Keith (Boyd, chairman), Dixie (Robinson, assistant manager) spoke to me and it made sense, so I just can't wait to get started.
"Because of the whole war situation in Kuwait, I didn't get to play as much football as I would have liked to.
"In general, it was a good experience and hopefully it can help me.”
Junior’s decision to leave last January meant he missed out on the Swifts securing top-six status for a second successive year, as well as back-to-back Irish Cup final appearances.
However, he doesn’t live life with regrets and wants to hit the ground running yet again.
He concluded: "I want to bring the same as I did last season - some energy, strength, goals and some wins.”