Former Irish League boss feels 'top drawer' finisher could prove difference in Premiership battle
Former Coleraine manager Dean Shiels believes an in-form Jamie McGonigle could prove to be key in helping Limavady United preserve Premiership status this season – highlighting his finishing ability as “top drawer”.
Shiels worked with McGonigle during his time in charge of the Bannsiders following the striker’s Irish League return from Derry City.
McGonigle is a proven Premiership goalscorer having impressed at Coleraine and Crusaders before earning a move to the League of Ireland – and has started the current campaign in fine form for Limavady.
The 30-year-old has joined the Roesiders on loan from parent club Coleraine and filled a crucial role in Paul Owens’ side.
McGonigle struck as Limavady sealed their first win of the season at Crusaders earlier this month and followed it up three days later by netting a hat-trick in an important 3-1 home triumph over Bangor.
He was ineligible to face Coleraine – alongside team-mate Alfie Gaston – on Saturday evening when Limavady were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the league leaders.
Limavady scored just one goal across their opening four league matches this term, but McGonigle’s arrival late on deadline day has helped give them a cutting edge in front of goal.
With rivals Portadown (five) and Bangor (seven) struggling for goals so far this season, Shiels believes McGonigle’s presence could ultimately be the difference for Limavady.
"If they keep him fit, they've a massive chance of staying up,” said Shiels on BBC Sportsound. “If Jamie's in the right mentality, there's no doubting the talent, his finishing is top drawer, he's a player who can run in behind, can come to feet.
"I watched Linfield and Limavady play a couple of weeks ago and Limavady played really well up until the final third and were missing something that day.
"Paul Owens has addressed it, he's brought in McGonigle, proven at the level, and if they can keep him fit, I think it'll be enough to keep them up.”