FRA BRENNAN: Carrick Rangers man retains top-flight ambition

Carrick Rangers' Fra Brennan (right) on duty last season with Portadown.

International selection for Portadown goalkeeper Declan Dunne with Northern Ireland under 21s has forced the postponement of this weekend’s scheduled league date until Tuesday, November 20.

The blank weekend presents Brennan an opportunity to take stock, having recently become a father for the first time alongside a role within Rangers’ growing run of form.

The three-match unbeaten run and one league defeat since the start of September stand in stark contrast to three Championship setbacks from four August tests.

However, Brennan considers the highs and lows key to developing the team spirit central to long-term progress.

“Given the changes over the past few months it was always going to take time for things to knit together,” said Brennan, a summer signing by Niall Currie as part of his rebuilding work since taking on the Rangers management post. “But I believe the downs allow us to develop more than the ups and you build that ‘band of brothers’ spirit and mutual respect out of adversity.

“In a division as tough as the Championship, with so little between so many clubs, those friendships that are impossible to expect from day one but grow over time can potentially make a difference.”

Brennan is now in his third spell as a player under Currie’s management and he shares the ambition of his boss and those within the Carrick set-up.

“The Portadown game was one everyone at the club was looking forward to but we will just have to wait for the new date to come around, with every fixture a real challenge,” said Brennan. “It was basically a Championship game between two Premiership clubs.

“I loved my time at Portadown as it was a big club and I am disappointed it did not work out.

“Niall has had success across his career but the setbacks at Portadown led to doubters coming out and I think he maybe has added determination now.

“Certainly the feeling within Carrick is one of determination to progress and I would not be here if I did not feel that to be the case.

“It has been hard over the past few seasons due to injuries and various ups and downs but I want to regain that structure and consistency in my game.

“I’ve spent most of my career as a top-flight player and want to return to the Premiership.”