Former Celts

Former Celt’s Champions League return

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Champions LeagueFormer Celt Cillian Sheridan will look forward to this afternoon’s Champions League drawing knowing that Apoel Nicosia are in line for a treat.

A 4-0 hammering of Aalborg, who Sheridan played against for Celtic, on Tuesday night saw the Cypriot champions through to the group stage despite having Willie Collum referee the match.

Sheridan scored the final goal of the game to put Apoel through on a 5-1 aggregate as he enjoys the novelty of starting the new season at the same club he finished the previous season with.

The 25-year-old has already played for Motherwell, Kilmarnock, St Johnstone, Plymouth and CSKA Sofia but seems to have settled in Cyprus with the added bonus of the Champions League to enjoy.

“When I was at Celtic (in the Champions League) I was 19 and don’t think I appreciated it as much as I do this time,” the striker admitted.

“I was young and outside the team. Now, I’m ready to be fully part of the team, it means a lot more and feels a bit more rewarding.

“It’s a big difference when you feel important to a team whereas in the other case, you’re in and out now and again maybe if there’s injuries or things like that.”

With his nomadic career showing signs of settling down Sheridan is hopeful that he might be able to revive his international career.

Having sampled life in Scotland, England and Bulgaria the man from Cavan seems to have taken fondly to all things Cypriot.

“It’s very different,” he observed.  “In football, it’s a slower pace, a slower tempo because it’s basically impossible to play a running game with high intensity in the heat and humidity.

“Life in general is more laid-back. They’re very friendly people, that’s one of the things I’d noticed straight away.

“Everyone says that more players need to go abroad. I don’t know if there’s been all that many offers. I’ve been lucky to get good offers and I’m a phone call away from whoever I want to speak to.

“I can Skype, Facetime or whatever. Maybe years ago it would have been a lot more difficult for players. I’d say that makes a massive difference.”

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