Many players who return to Ireland after an unsuccessful attempt to break into English football become disenchanted with the sport. They fall out of love with the game, and many fall out of it altogether. That is a story we hear all too often.
Some do continue their footballing careers back on these shores. Few, if any, experience as much instant success as Daniel Cleary.
Cleary moved to Liverpool at the age of 15, and for a while everything seemed to be going to plan. A ball-playing centre back under Brendan Rodgers, he was on the verge of a first team breakthrough, making the bench for a Europa League tie against Bordeaux in 2015.
#Liverpool's Daniel Cleary scores the equalising goal against #Everton in the mini-Derby. #LFC #EFC #U21 pic.twitter.com/TVeMF2fbZm
— Propaganda (@propagandaphoto) March 9, 2015
The arrival of Jürgen Klopp at the club resulted in a stall in his progression. An 18-month stint at Birmingham City followed, where first team opportunities were once again hard to come by. After a brief loan spell at non-league club Solihull Moors, he left the Midlands club.
Cleary returned to Ireland at the start of 2018. While he went on trial with Shamrock Rovers, he would eventually sign for Dundalk.
His first year in the League of Ireland has been an unmitigated success. A 3-2 win over Derry City last week left Dundalk needing only one point to reclaim the league title, while this Friday they will come against UCD in an FAI Cup semi-final.
For Cleary, things could not have gone much better in his first season at Oriel Park.
It’s a great feeling, we nearly have it wrapped up. Mathematically not, but we just need one more point in the next four games. Everybody is looking forward to the game next Friday to just get the point, and get it sealed.
Having spent three years in England, he has grown as a player. He can use the high level of coaching he received to give him an edge in the League of Ireland, but he is not finished improving just yet.
I'm looking to improve every day, every game. I'm just going to keep on improving.
I think what I learned over in England, I can bring to my game here.
The quality in the League of Ireland has improved greatly in recent times, and this a trend that looks to be continuing.
For a player who had not previously experienced the league, Cleary is impressed with the quality that it has on show.
The quality is very good. There's some unbelievable players in this league, especially at Dundalk.
There's a high standard, and it is very competitive.
The league has been dominated by two team in recent times: Dundalk and Cork City. While the Munster side were the top dogs last term, winning a league and cup double, the tide has turned somewhat this year. Dundalk are a point away from claiming a league title, while the two could also meet in the FAI Cup decider.
Cleary feels that the rivalry between the two sides benefits the league as a whole.
I think there is competition between the whole league, every team has a rivalry with someone. That's good for the league, and it's good for Irish football.
Without it, would it be boring? I don't know, but I think it is a good thing.
Daniel Cleary was speaking to Balls at the launch of FIFA 19 at the Aviva Stadium.
SSE Airtricity League FIFA 19 Club Packs are back, featuring the individual club crest of all 10 Premier Division teams, with €1 donated to the Liam Miller fund for every free sleeve download from Friday 28th September – Friday 5th October.
The sleeves will be available from https://www.easports.com/uk/fifa/club-packs/league-of-ireland when the game launches this Friday 28th September!
