Linfield’s Chris McKee still holds ambitions of playing across the water after hot start to season
Ballymena United 0 Linfield 1
Linfield striker Chris McKee has scored in every League game so far this season
Chris McKee shows his delight after scoring the winner for Linfield at Ballymena United
Linfield goal hero Chris McKee admits he still has ambitions of playing across the water.
The 21-year-old is certainly going the right way about catching the eye of cross-channel clubs having bagged his third goal in as many games in Friday night’s win over Ballymena United at the Showgrounds.
Although David Healy’s boys bossed possession, they came up against a resolute, gutsy Sky Blues side, who carried out manager Jim Ervin’s instructions superbly well – until McKee broke their hearts with the winner seven minutes from time.
It was midfield maestro Chris Shields – making his 100th appearance in a blue shirt – who orchestrated the goal with a surging run before finding McKee and his finish was emphatic.
“The League has come on massively in terms of quality, there are three or four full-time clubs, and a few toying with the idea,” claims McKee. “It provides a great pathway for players to do well and to progress to England.
“Trai Hume (ex-Linfield) is a prime example. He didn’t go across at an early age, but he learnt his trade with Ballymena and at Linfield. Look at him now, he’s a regular starter with Sunderland.
“It’s a big step up from academy football to men’s football, but the Irish League is great grounding for any player. I was at Rangers as a teenager, but I still have ambitions to go across the water again.
“I want to test myself to play at the highest level, that’s my ambition. I just intend to keep my head down and keep working hard.
“There are so many examples of boys going across... Shayne Lavery, Trai, Terry
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