Waterford FC midfielder Evan McLaughlin believes the Blues have the quality to compete with anyone in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division after extending their impressive run of form with another important victory.

McLaughlin marked his first Premier Division start in three months following injury with an influential display as Graham Coughlan’s side continued their resurgence.

The midfielder admitted he was delighted to be back on the pitch after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I’d been out injured for about three months, so I’m really delighted to be back playing. There was no better way to mark it than with three points and a good performance.”

Waterford’s defensive improvement has been a key factor in their recent form, with McLaughlin praising the influence of experienced defenders Kevin Long and John Mann since their arrivals at the club.

“They’re like two brick walls at the back. I think it’s just been a switch in mindset and that comes from the staff and Graham since he came in. We’re fighting for our lives out there, and the defenders have been top notch.”

The Blues are now enjoying one of their best spells of the season, with McLaughlin insisting the squad always possessed the ability to turn things around.

“We think we have more than enough quality in our team. Since Graham came in, you’ve started to see that. When we’re working hard, the quality shows. Tommy Lonergan is the league’s top scorer, Padraig Amond is chipping in with goals and assists, and we’ve got quality right through the squad.”

McLaughlin also paid tribute to the Waterford supporters, saying the atmosphere at the RSC has given the squad an extra lift.

“The atmosphere today was top notch. Even when I was injured and watching from the stands, I could feel the buzz around the club. I couldn’t wait to get back out there, and the fans have been brilliant, sticking with us all season.”

Having worked his way back to full fitness, the midfielder said he was determined to repay the faith shown in him by manager Graham Coughlan.

“I was working hard behind the scenes during my rehab and just couldn’t wait to get back. Since I’ve been training again, I’ve been pushing every day, so I’m delighted the manager gave me the start, and hopefully I can finish the season strongly.”

McLaughlin also felt Waterford were fully deserving of the penalty awarded during the game after he was brought down inside the area.

“I was trying to get the ball onto my left foot and get a shot away. I felt a pull on me, so I think it was a penalty.”

Attention now turns to next weekend’s trip to Bohemians, but McLaughlin insists Waterford will continue to take one game at a time as they look to build on their excellent recent run.

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