Dundalk midfielder Krisztián Adorján is bracing himself for a fast and furious competitive debut in Sunday’s President’s Cup final with Cork City.
The Hungarian marked his first game on Irish soil for the club with a goal in Wednesday’s 2–1 win over Brentford ‘B’ at Oriel Park.
And speaking to Dundalk Sport afterwards, he said that his new comrades had already briefed him on what to expect when the top two sides in the country lock horns once again.
“If the coach decides to play me on Sunday then I will give my best,” he said. “I have never played against Cork before but my teammates told me it’s a good game and I have to be ready for the tackles to fly in.
“That’s alright with me,” he smiled. “I was in Liverpool for almost four years so I’m used to the toughness of the football — and this terrible weather!”
Adorján’s move to Dundalk came out of left field. His parent club is Novaro Calcio, who operate in Italy’s Serie B, but most recently he has been playing for Albanian side Partizani after moving to Tirana on a loan deal last August.
When that move came to an end at the end of January, Adorján’s Irish agent alerted Stephen Kenny to the 25-year-old’s availability.
The Dundalk manager moved swiftly, securing Adorján on a six-month loan deal, and the feeling within Oriel Park is that the Lilywhites have acquired a special talent.
“My agent told me that Dundalk were interested and I was very happy about that because I knew about the team from their run in the Europa League a few years ago,” said Adorján.
“I’m really excited to be here,” he added. “I know we have a coach who plays football that really fits me and I’m extremely happy to get the opportunity to play in a team where I can show my quality.
“We play short passes and try to build up from the back. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that because that wasn’t the case with other teams where I have been.”
Adorján’s contract with Novaro is due to expire in the summer but he said that nothing is set in stone regarding his long-term future.
“I’ve got a contract with Novaro and I’m on loan here for six months,” he said. “I’m extremely happy with the situation now but it’s not just my decision, unfortunately.
“We will just have to see what happens as time goes on. For now, I just cannot wait for the season to start with Dundalk.”
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