Internationalist Cillian Sheridan ready for Celtic breakthrough
The striker has played for Motherwell, Plymouth and St Johnstone as well as becoming a full internationalist since his last game for Celtic in January last year.
With the backing of Giovanni Trapattoni to draw on Sheridan is hoping to catch the eye of Lennon- who is expected to be confirmed as manager- in pre-season.
Looking ahead to the new season the striker said: “Ideally what I want to do is go back and play for Celtic. I want to play a bigger part, but it’s up to me to perform in training.
“It’s a big year for me. I’m back to where I was at this stage last season. I had a year left on my deal then too and I needed to get out and play.
“The only difference now is I’ve a couple of international caps. I am definitely more confident. I was only an Under-21 player before, but now I have full caps.
“I need to do well in pre-season. I know I’ll be under more pressure than ever, people will expect more from me.
“It’s a year since I’ve been at Celtic, but being away made me a better player. It’s been a good end to the season for me.
“It just shows if you play regularly people see you and give you a chance. You’ll never get picked for your country if you’re not playing for your club.”
Sheridan’s Celtic career has been a constant roller-coaster ever since he made his debut at Inverness Caley Thistle within six months of moving to Glasgow.
A wrist injury prevented him from building on that appearance with a hip injury writing off much of the 2007/2008 season as well.
Injuries to Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras gave Sheridan an unlikely chance the following autumn with the highlight being selected to play at home against Manchester United in the Champions League.
Following a disappointing substitute appearance in the disastrous defeat away to Aalborg his form took a dip with Gordon Strachan sending him out on loan to Motherwell where he scored just two goals.
The end of season internationals gave Sheridan the chance to play alongside Robbie Keane with the Irish skipper impressed by the new bhoy.
Keane said: “He is very strong in the air and I think he won every header that came his way when he came on for his full debut against Paraguay.
“He suits the way we sometimes play, we like to get the ball down and pass, but there is that occasion where you like to hit the long ball and maybe play off the main striker.
“Cillian fits into that role, no problem but he can also take the ball to feet and controls it. He’s a very useful addition to the Irish squad.”
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