I want promotion, says Albion Rovers defender Mick O’Byrne

Jan 27 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

MICK O’BYRNE says winning promotion with Dumbarton last season was the greatest feeling of his career, writes Colin Paterson.

Now the no-nonsense defender wants to help his Albion Rovers team-mates experience the joy of going up.

O’Byrne was part of the title-winning Dumbarton squad who clinched promotion to the Second Division, but was freed in the summer.

However, the Sons’ decision has proved Rovers’ gain with the 21-year-old playing his part in a team that has kept 13 clean sheets this term.

He said: “We made a great start to the season but we know we have slumped in these past few weeks.

“Winning promotion was the best feeling I have ever had in my career and it would be great to enjoy that experience again.

“You need to be good in a lot of areas to win promotion. You have to be good at the back and you need to be able to take your chances.

“Luck also plays a part and you need a fair share of that throughout the course of a season.”

Meanwhile, O’Byrne expressed his disappointment after Rovers’ Scottish Cup hopes were extinguished last Wednesday night, following a 3-1 fourth round replay defeat to Stirling Albion.

He said: “We thought we had a real chance but we conceded some stupid goals.

“We just sat there in disbelief at being 3-1 down as we had created so many chances and enjoyed so much possession of the ball.

“However, the two games we’ve had against Stirling will give us confidence as we competed well.”