Dubliner Dolan settling in well with Rangers

Dolan, who was brought to Carrick by interim boss Michael Hughes during the January transfer window, like most of the players is confident Carrick can battle their way to top-flight survival, starting with a tough game against Ballymena United on Friday evening at Seaview (7.45pm).

“It’s a massive game for us especially with how tight things are at the bottom of the table. One win can take us up three places and we will give our all to get the victory. It’s going to be tough as Glenn Ferguson will bring an organised side but I know we have the quality in our squad to get all three points.

“We just need to get back a winning mentality. Our performances in recent weeks have been excellent; we just haven’t been able to see games out. At this stage in the league we have to take every game as a Cup final.”

Before his move north the Dublin-based centre-forward, who had played in the League of Ireland, hadn’t featured in a competitive match since October, but now he feels he’s beginning to find his feet.

“I knew it would take me time to get up to speed but I’m working very hard and feel I’m getting stronger every week,” he said. “Scoring on Saturday has also helped me and, hopefully, I can kick on and that will be the first of many.”

He added: “I’m delighted with how well I’ve settled in so far; everyone’s been great and made me and the feel very welcome since day one. That goes for team-mates, management, the backroom team and everyone involved at the club.”

Dolan said Hughes was a key factor behind his switch to play in the Carling Premierhsip and is quickly adapting to the rigours of the Irish League.

“Michael’s been great, he was a major part in my decision to sign for the club,” he said. “I was a massive fan of his as a player and he is an excellent young manager and it’s an great privilege to learn from and play for him.

“The league is very tough and very competitive. All teams are capable of beating or taking points off each other. We’ve shown that in recent weeks having been unlucky to draw against Glentoran and Cliftonville when we probably deserved all three points. It’s very fast and physical and you don’t get much time on the ball so everything has to be done sharp. But I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

His main target at Carrick is to help the team stay in the Premier League.

“The goal is to retain our top-flight status for next year and we will fight until last kick of the season to ensure that happens,” he said. “We have an excellent young squad that’s getting better every week and and it’s very achievable. Personally, I will continue to give 110 per cent for the team and hope to add a few more goals between now and the end of the season. We just need to believe and be positive.”