24/07/2009

Trialist Goalkeeper Unmasked

The trialist goalkeeper who played for Morton against Unirea Uriziceni has been named as Sean Milligan - an American who, according to the WMUR New Hampshire website, is on a six month trial at Cappielow. However, the player has described his situation as an 'indefinite trial'.

The goalkeeper's identity was discovered by greenockmorton.org poster ccc who posted a link to an article on the The Dartmouth website (see links at the bottom of the page).

Milligan's most recent club was Dartmouth Big Greens. Dartmouth are the football (soccer) team from the wider department of Dartmouth Varsity Athletics at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire in the USA. The Big Greens currently compete in, and are champions of, the Ivy championship.

In an interview with The Dartmouth Milligan (pictured, above left: before the Unirea game and below: in his Dartmouth profile pic) explained that we was surprised and nervous when he was informed he was going to start against Unirea: “It was actually really unexpected. I had only had two training sessions, but the guy who is looking after me over here told me the day before the game that the manager called and said that their regular starter had been injured during the previous match, and that they wanted to give me an opportunity.

“It was just a great experience. The best advice I got before the game was to just make sure that I enjoyed it — and I definitely did. Once you get your first touch or make your save you just grow with confidence and realize that you aren’t in over your head."

Milligan was also surprised by the Morton support, he said: “The fans here are a bit more critical to say the least, and aren’t afraid to tell you what they think. At the same time, they create an incredible atmosphere so it was great to play in front of them.”

In the Unirea match Milligan made an excellent save and was unlucky in his attempt to save Sorin Paraschiv's shot for the third goal but he was also fortunate that his fresh air swipe with his left foot didn't result in another goal for the Romanians.

The Dartmouth - Milligan '09 Sees First Professional Start On Scottish Club Team (24.07.2009)

WMUR New Hampshire - Dartmouth's Milligan Gets International Start

Sean Milligan - Dartmouth Big Greens profile

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