The 28-year-old player, who is a Celtic youth product, has played for seven clubs in four different countries in his career. ”I have spoken to 20 to 30 teams, but my little girl starts school this year and we’re settled up in Scotland. So moving would have been a big decision. It is actually only a four-month league, so I’ll go there and although they’ll probably visit once or twice, it will leave them settled. Then, come Christmas, we will wait and see what I will do,” the player said while explaining the reason for his choice.
The player however mentioned that he doesn’t have much of an idea about the league he is going to be a part of.
“I haven’t a clue,” he said. “It is only in its second year, so it’s still finding its feet. Every team needs one marquee player to bring a bit of attention to the league and they are certainly giving it a good go, the way you will be looked after,” he remarked.
He also informed that the positive feedback from the players who were part of the ISL last season helped him get convinced to make a move.
“I’ve spoken to players who played there last year and it was fantastic. It is another experience and something I’m looking forward to. The contract runs until December 22, which is the final over there, so after that I’ll have Christmas at home and from January 1 will be looking to play again, wherever that may be,” he stressed the point that the short tenure is one of the major reasons he has agreed to the offer.
After starting his journey at the Scottish club, Darren had loan stints at Reading, Ipswich Town and Leeds United. In 2012, he joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side Toronto FC before joining Ukrainian outfit Metalurh Donetsk. Last December, he joined championship side Blackpool, but couldn’t make much of a difference as the team finished at the rock bottom of the 24-team competition and were relegated to the third tier of English football.
The high point in his career was a goal in the Old Firm Derby against arch-rivals Rangers and a rock-solid performance against AC Milan in the Champions League. The player has also made 20 appearances for the Ireland national team.
