Ballinamallard goalkeeper Rory Brown has spoken of his intent on being the number one at an Irish Premiership club next season.
The 21-year-old has starred at Ferney Park this campaign after joining on a season-long loan deal from Glentoran, where he is out of contract this summer.
The Mallards are currently on course for a promotion play-off spot and Brown looks destined to return to the Irish Premiership sooner rather than later.
“This season is all about showing what I can do and demonstrating that I’m ready for the top-flight,” the shot-stopper told Match on Tuesday.
“I’m out of contract this summer after my loan deal ends and right now, I’m not thinking about anything beyond the current season and helping the Mallards win promotion.
“But I will have avenues to explore and have an important decision to make.
“At my age you just want to be playing every week, getting experience and improving – so this loan arrangement was a win-win for both teams.
“This loan deal has improved me and for next season I want to make that step up to the Premiership – hopefully Ballinamallard will be in that mix too.”
Brown came through the youth system at Wolverhampton Wanderers before establishing himself as number one at Institute in the top-flight.
He joined Glentoran in 2020 after Stute’s relegation but moved to the County Fermanagh club on a loan deal this campaign for regular football.
“I was not expecting the quality of this league to be as high as it is,” admitted Brown.
“I am surprised on just how tough it is to get out of the league and get a run of results.
“Ballinamallard are such a well-run club and again, it took me back a little bit in a good way as to how high the standards were on and off the pitch.”
The Mallards earned a draw at Dundela on Saturday to ensure they remain in second spot but failed to take full advantage of league leaders Newry – who are seven points clear with a game in hand – not featuring this weekend.
“We are always disappointed not to get the three points,” Brown added.
“When you look at the positions of the two teams in the table it makes it doubly disappointing, but the Championship is never that straightforward and they are in good form.
“The sending off for us was very harsh and that we rescued a point in the circumstances was much better than what it could have been.
“The pitch did not suit us at all and we like to get it down and play football, which we can do more of at Ferney Park.
“Looking at the standings, it’s Newry’s league to lose but we will not give up and we just have to get a run of wins.”
