Matt Keane
Tonight is a huge night for Waterford FC in their bid to beat the drop in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
They welcome the champions Shamrock Rovers to town with just three games remaining in the campaign.
Manager Marc Bircham is adamant that the 8th-placed Blues will need to win at least 2 of those 3 games to guarantee their Premier Division status.
In-form forward Phoenix Patterson says that the squad are confident that they can put it up to the champions.
“We’re all looking forward to playing the champions of the league, and we want to test ourselves against them. We’re confident that we can get the three points, which will help in our relegation battle. We’re excited."
Phoenix is nominated for the League Player of the Month Award for October - after spearheading Waterford's recent resurgence from the front. The young attacker says he's glad fans are excited to watch him in full flight.
He credits his relationship with Junior Quitirna as crucial to his good form, with the pair having previously shared the pitch together at Charlton Athletic.
“I’m just focused on trying to help the team, and trying to win games. I’m doing my best by scoring goals, assisting goals, and been an exciting player to watch. That’s what I’m trying to bring to every game that I play, and hopefully that will continue. At the moment I’m doing well, but I just have to keep it going. It’s important for us all that we finish the season strong. I like playing with Junior (Quitirna), and we’ve been working on things in training. I think that it helps that we have a great relationship off the pitch as well. I think people see that on the pitch. On the pitch, we’re always looking out for each other, and it has been good for us both at the minute. It’s good and hopefully we can keep it going for the last three games. I’ve really enjoyed playing in the League of Ireland."
While safety is paramount, it's far from a guarantee. Regardless, Phoenix has thoroughly enjoyed his stint in the South-East.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience of the playing in the league, and it has been a great experience for me. I’m loving Waterford. It’s a nice area, nice people, and a great club. It’s been really, really good so far, and it’s been a good experience.”
