Chris McKee programme interview
Posted : 26th August 2023
With goals in all four of Linfield’s League fixtures so far and a further two goals in Europe against KF Vllaznia of Albania, it’s fair to say Blues forward Chris McKee is very much a man in form. To put it into perspective; it took him until March to reach the same goal tally last season. So, what’s prompted this improved form? According to the striker, there are multiple factors behind it.
“I treated this season as a fresh slate and thankfully, I must have impressed the manager enough to start the season with a starting jersey. Getting a run of games is massively important when it comes to showing good form, as you build up confidence and sharpness. Confidence is key in football and goals help with that. I always try to be confident and to believe in myself, but it’s not always easy to do that. Football can be a tough game mentally, so you need self-belief, and the trust of the manager and my teammates is a major help for me, too.
“I am fitter and sharper. I took a short break in the summer which is important for rest and recovery, but then I came back early to work hard in one-to-one coaching drills with End Goal Coaching which has stood me in good stead. He’s very good and I’d advise any young players to check him out, if they’re looking to become sharper and improve certain aspects of their game.”
Former Rangers FC Academy player, McKee’s strong start to the season has got people talking and, given his age profile, many are asking whether he will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Shayne Lavery and Paul Smyth, who both brought joy to the Linfield faithful, before being snapped up by English clubs. Whilst the Northern Ireland U21 International is fully focused on Linfield, he says he won’t rule anything out, as he has the hunger to continue to develop.
“Do I want to go back across the water? Yes, I am ambitious and I want to test myself at as high a level as possible, but I am fully focused on the here and now, and I will keep my head down and keep working hard, and then see what (if anything) happens. There’s a massive spotlight on this League now because so many players have come through it and gone on to England or Scotland and succeeded.
“I’ve followed the Irish League since I was a kid following Linfield and Carrick Rangers; it’s come on massively in that time. There are four Full-Time teams and two or three more who, either have a hybrid model or aspire to go Full-Time in the near future. Seeing the progression is great, and as someone who plays in this league, I feel it’s a great pathway for young players to have a good career in the game. I use Trai Hume as an example; I played with him in the Linfield Academy – he should have gone across the water when he was 16. He deserved to, but he played first team football here and now he plays regularly in the Championship in England.
“I don’t think many people - whether that be kids or their parents - realise just how big of a step it is from Academy football to senior football – especially the Irish League, as it’s so physically tough and you don’t get any easy games, so it’s a brilliant League to play in and a real stepping stone.”
McKee – a boyhood Linfield fan who signed initially on loan from Rangers in January 2022 and then permanently on a two-year deal in June 2022 – says he’s enjoying the team’s system this season and hopes it will continue to bring results, including this afternoon against his home-town club, Carrick Rangers.
“I feel like I am a versatile player who can play various roles in the attack, across the forward line, or in the number ten role. Wherever the manager wants me to play, I’ll happily do it and I’ll give my all for the team. The system we play probably suits me. It requires me to be more than a goal scorer and it’s something I’m relishing.
“We take each game as it comes and put everything into every game. Whether it’s pretty or not, we know we have to be picking up three points every week. We set high standards for ourselves in training and in matches, and we always want to put on a show for our fans, as well as the most important thing which is to win.
“Some players don’t like playing against their home-town club, but I love it. I know their staff and a number of players really well. It’s another challenge. We know they’ll try to make it difficult for us and they’ve signed well, but fingers crossed, we can go again and get the three points. The win over Cliftonville during the week was a major confidence boost for us and we want to continue to build momentum. To get another goal in midweek was very pleasing and I want to keep the run of form going.”
Best wishes to in-form Chris for today's game and his upcoming participation in the Northern Ireland under 21 squad games under new manager Tommy Wright