Alex Moore programme article
Posted : 17th March 2018
Injuries to Linfield goalkeepers Roy Carroll and Gareth Deane have presented an opportunity for 19 year-old Alex Moore to step in between the sticks and the lifelong Linfield supporter told ‘Look at Linfield’ that it is a ‘huge honour’ to be involved, as he prepares for today’s ‘Big Two’ derby against Glentoran.
“It's a huge honour to play for this club at any level and fortunately, I've been able to do that at first team level. Not only is it the biggest and most successful club in the country but it's the club I've grown up supporting and the club that means a lot to me and my family also. So it certainly is a massive honour and a privilege for me to be able to play for this club, whenever called upon.”
The Lisburn native has developed through the Linfield Youth Academy where he first joined the club at the age of six. Thirteen years later, Moore has recently signed his first professional contract with the Club and knows all about the pressure of playing for Linfield, something which he believes will spur him on when he steps onto the pitch.
“This is the only club I've ever played for and the expectation has always been to win every single match and with that comes added pressure, something which I believe that will help me to perform, when I'm needed.”
Unsurprisingly, learning off a seasoned professional like Roy Carroll who has played for some of the world’s biggest clubs has proved extremely beneficial for Alex’s development, as well as the advice from Gareth Deane and goalkeeping coach Johnny Williamson.
“Learning from Roy has been brilliant for me. He's done everything you can in the game and is an idol of mine and naturally, working with and training with someone like Roy has been brilliant for my development. Gareth Deane has also been great for me to learn from and furthermore, Johnny Williamson, my goalkeeping coach has been brilliant with me and for my development. Having defenders like Mark Stafford and Jimmy Callacher in front of me has helped me. They're 2 of the best centre backs in the league and having them in front of me makes me feel more relaxed when playing.”
Moore is no stranger to this fixture and has experienced playing in it before, back in February 2017 when he helped Linfield to a 1-0 win at the Oval, as he impressed in goal for what proved to be a very crucial result. With that experience in mind, Alex is confident that debut Oval game will stand him in good stead, as Glentoran visit Windsor Park today.
“I think that will help me in the upcoming games because I know what to expect. I've experienced what is required to play in these kind of games and hopefully, I can perform in these matches. Important games like these are the games you want to play in and in my case, dreamed about playing in when I was growing up.”
“I remember going to watch us play against Glentoran with my dad from when I was no age, particularly the games on Boxing Day. The atmosphere and build up around a game against Glentoran always seemed to be that bit different to any other game. Although league tables may say otherwise, I still believe that Glentoran are our biggest rivals and to beat the Glens means more than beating any other team.”
Everyone associated with Linfield FC will wish Alex every success for these upcoming fixtures and congratulate him, as he recently penned his first professional contact after years of hard work. Hopefully, the promising young shot stopper will have a long and successful time ahead of him at his beloved Blues.