Aaron O'Driscoll didn’t think twice about cancelling his Mansfield Town contract to join Shelbourne as he insists the League of Ireland is an ‘attractive’ place to play.
The Dubliner - son of former St Pat’s title winner Maurice - spent two seasons in Manchester City’s academy before four years at Southampton.
He then joined Mansfield but only made three league appearances and moved to Longford Town on loan in 2021, winning their Player of the Season award.
And although the midlands club was relegated, centre-back O’Driscoll was constantly monitored by a host of Premier Division clubs.
But when Ireland legend Duff sounded him out about a move to Tolka Park, the 22-year-old didn’t dwell on the offer.
Ahead of tonight’s clash with Derry City, O’Driscoll told Mirror Sport: “I was still under contract at Mansfield and was wondering if I would go back and give it another go.
“But I was speaking to my family and I wanted to be playing regular football. I really enjoyed playing in the league last year and it was nice being back home.
“It's an exciting league that’s full of quality and there’s nothing between the teams. You can feel the energy with the crowds that have been turning out.
“The League of Ireland is a very attractive place to play, especially with the style of football compared to League Two which can be quite direct.
“It’s a really big goal for young players to play in the League of Ireland - 100% it is. I really enjoyed last year and wanted more of it.
“For me, it was important to get back to full-time football where I’m training every day and with the gaffer here (Duff) and the coaching we’re getting, it’s top quality.”
Shelbourne have been a mixed bag on their top flight return with a defeat, win and draw from their three games.
But Monday’s flat performance in the scoreless draw away to UCD left O’Driscoll particularly frustrated.
“I'd say it was a hard watch from a fans’ perspective," he said. "The sprinkler going off and the wheelbarrow got the biggest cheers of the night, which says it all.
“Ideally we would have wanted more than four points from nine and, funnily enough, we were happier with the performance against St Pat’s than the UCD one.
“We lost 3-0 but created a lot more chances than we did on Monday which was disappointing, but we have to move on.”
Derry signalled their intent with a last gasp win over champions Shamrock Rovers last Friday, only to be held at home by Sligo Rovers on Monday.
O’Driscoll will be tasked with keeping in-form Candystripes attacker Jamie McGonigle under wraps after goals against the Hoops and Dundalk.
“Derry signed some good players and people are talking about them so we'll see, but it's going to be a great atmosphere in Tolka,” he said.
And Shels boss Duff is also happy to pile the pressure on Derry, declaring: "They are near favourites for the league with some people.
"They'll be hot favourites tonight but that doesn’t bother me and I’m sure it doesn’t bother the lads.”
