Ryan McLaughlin spoke to www.rochdaleafc.co.uk after completing a permanent move from Rochdale to Blackpool for an undisclosed fee…
“I’m really excited and delighted to be here,” he said.
“I’ve played against Rochdale over the last two or three years so I know the brand of football that the team plays and I think it suits me.
“I’ve played League One football for the last few seasons so I know what the league is about. I know I can do well for and help the team - it’s just about proving that. I want to do that and help keep the Club in the league. I can’t wait get to get started.”
McLaughlin is a versatile right-back who is comfortable of playing in a number of positions.
“I like to get forward and I like to get as many assists as I can and run with the ball. Defending first and foremost is your job when you’re a full-back, but no matter what position I’m playing in, I think I can do a job there. So wherever I’m put, hopefully I can do a good job for the fans and chip in with goals and assists and whatever comes my way.”
Having spent three years at Liverpool, he knows a member of the Dale squad from his time there.
“I know Jordan (MJ) Williams from Liverpool. I spoke to him about coming here and he has nothing but good things to say about the Club, so I’m looking forward to playing in a team with him. I’ll also be travelling into training with him - it’ll be a lively car school!”
The 24-year-old has been capped five times by the Northern Ireland senior team, with his most recent call-up coming in June 2018. He hopes that more appearances will follow in the future if he works hard.
“I need to be doing well at my Club to get a call-up, so hopefully I can do that here. First and foremost, my full concentration will be on the Club to try and get us up the league.”