Coustrain speaks about past, present and future

Former Sheffield United player and Limerick native Joel Coustrain spoke to Sporting Limerick this week during a post season break. The young winger recently finished his first season in the Airtricity League Premier Division with renowned Dublin giants Shamrock Rovers. 

Speaking at the grounds of his schoolboy club Corbally United, Coustrain stated that the club had a massive role to play in his development. “Yeah it was great and they (Corbally) played a massive role. It’s situated right around the corner from where I lived and it was great to come here and train. It has led me on to bigger and better things. 

Joel moved to England at the age of 16 when he signed for English giants Sheffield United. The lively winger admits that it was a difficult transition at such a young age.

“Yeah it was difficult. Here (Limerick), it was just all local lads whereas Sheffield United have the pick of the whole world. It was a massive change and I struggled for the first year that I was there. It was different from playing and scoring week in and week out with Corbally to not making squads but you have to keep working hard and you will eventually get there.”

Coustrain joined Scottish First Division Club Raith Rovers following his release from Sheffield United. Following a short stint in Scotland, the Limerick native returned to Limerick and had trials at both Limerick FC and St. Patrick’s Athletic.

A managerial change on Shannonside meant that Coustrain did not sign for his hometown club. Subsequently, he signed for local side Ballynanty Rovers. When asked if he feared his chance at a professional level had gone, Coustrain admits it was an uncertain time.

“Yeah I thought that was the case because I had came back after a year out of football and had trials with a few teams. I signed for Ballynanty and just wanted games. I was doing a Fas training course and working in Elverys so it was a big change. 

Last year, Former Limerick FC player and current Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley contacted Joel Coustrain as he wanted the winger to travel to the club for a trial. Coustrain was delighted with the opportunity and subsequently signed with the club.

“I got the call to go to Rovers and I just jumped at it. I’m glad the trial worked out. It’s one of the biggest clubs and to get a call from Stephen Bradley and for him to let me come in and give me game time was great. It’s an honour to play for that club and hopefully I can keep doing that for the near future.”

Recently, Coustrain signed a new two year contract with the Hoops and is looking forward to getting back to Dublin for training in December. However, when asked if he would ever turn out for his local club Limerick FC in the future, the Corbally youngster didn’t rule it out.

“We’ll see. We’ll see how it goes for the next few years.”