Viteszlav Jaros knows he disappointed the St Pat’s fans who bombarded him with messages to stay at the club.
But the Liverpool goalkeeper is relishing his shot at Football League promotion with Notts County.
Jaros was a revelation at the Saints last season after arriving on loan from the Anfield giants.
He was this week crowned SSE Airtricity / Soccer Writers Ireland ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ for 2021 and played a starring role in the FAI Cup final win over Bohemians.
Despite enjoying his spell in Ireland, Jaros knew he would be returning to Liverpool over the winter.
But eyebrows were raised yesterday when he signed on loan with Notts County until the end of the season.
The Magpies are eighth in the National League - Englands’ fifth tier - and six points off leaders Stockport County, but they have two games in hand.
Highly regarded at Anfield having sat on the bench for Champions League group stage games, it was thought he would join a higher-level club or even play abroad.
But the Czech, 20, insists he will never forget his time in Ireland and thanked St Pat’s for giving him his first taste of men’s football.
Jaros said: “It was different going to Ireland and to men's football but I really enjoyed it and we did quite well as a team.
“Personally, I did quite well too and won some awards and won the FAI Cup.
“(The SWI award) gives you confidence that you're capable of playing at the level in men's football. I knew I had it, but getting the award gives you an extra boost.
“When I came to Ireland, it was all in lockdown and there were no fans at games and the stadiums were empty
“But when they started to come to the game, we built a connection and they loved me after that. I still get messages from them now to come back.
“Winning the Cup final was a great journey because it’s a big occasion in Ireland. It’s in the Aviva and you’re suited up and to win it was even better.”
After a short break over Christmas, Jaros returned to Liverpool’s Under-23s for training over the New Year.
Now he is determined to make the most of his loan to Notts County as they chase promotion and an FA Trophy run having made it to the fifth round so far.
Jaros said: “I did well on the first loan so (Liverpool) wanted me to carry on and get more games.
“My biggest concern dropping down a division was that it would be all long ball, but the manager here (Ian Burchnall) wants to play.
“The club is eighth with two games in hand and six points off top. There’s an opportunity to win the league and get promoted, so there’s lots to play for.”
