Manxman Freddie is eager to impress

AFTER penning his first professional contract at Carlisle United earlier this month, Freddie O’Donoghue immediately joined Queen of the South on a season long loan.

The 18-year-old, from the Isle of Man, has joined the Dumfries club – managed by United legend Peter Murphy – in a bid to play regular first team football.

And the forward showed glimpses of his ability to the Palmerston faithful in a late substitute appearance against The Blue Toon on Saturday as Queens won 4-0.

He said: “It all happened very quickly. I’d spoken to some people at Carlisle and said I wanted to go and get a taste of men’s footy.

“I’ve enjoyed it so far, the lads seem great, the gaffer’s great and all the staff are great, so it’s been easy to settle in.

“Everyone in Carlisle knows what a good player he (Peter Murphy) was, he’s a big figure for Carlisle United. I was aware of it all and I’m just happy to be here.”

Describing his attributes and ambitions at Palmerston, O’Donoghue added: “I’m quick. I try to get in behind, spin (the defender) and make things happen with my speed.

“(I hope) to get as many games as possible, get as much experience as I can, help the lads out where I can - and hopefully get a few goals.”

O’Donoghue has also been impressed with the standard north of the border.

He said: “I knew a bit about (the Scottish game). I was definitely aware of it. Obviously, not being from England I haven’t really got any bias towards either side. “It’s a good standard, it’s very competitive and the players are absolutely brilliant. In training every day it’s quality and you could see that out on the pitch today.”