Ellis Farrar determined to repay Dave Rogers' faith in him at Finn Harps

New Finn Harps recruit Ellis Farrar explains that the opportunity to learn his defensive trade in the rough and tumble of the League of Ireland First Division was simply too good an opportunity to turn down.

The 19-year-old Bradford native moved to the north west on loan from parent club Stockport County back in early February. Dave Rogers speaks highly of his young centre half and has included him from the off in both of Harps’ outings to date.

Farrar agrees it’s a learning curve that has started at a pretty steep angle. But with Keith Cowan beside him in the heart of the Harps defence, and with Rogers’ encouragement and advice also to hand, he believes he’s in the best place possible to further progress his footballing career.

“It is a physical league,” he said. “And there is a real desire there to win the ball as soon as possible. I’m 19 and as a central defender it’s a brilliant opportunity to learn. Usually, most managers might feel it has to always be someone with real experience in there.

“But Dave is looking to strike a balance, I’d say. Keith, he’s been amazing so far. It’s in at the deep end but he’s always there talking and guiding you along. I’m grateful that the gaffer has put his trust in me with all of that in these first two games.

“Friday is a great opportunity to start putting results together. It’s also another chance to really show the supporters the work we are putting in”.

Farrar started life at his boyhood club Bradford City - but not as a centre half. He actually began his football career as a reluctant goalkeeper. However, he soon grew tired of that.

“At around eight or nine years of age, I was playing in goal. I suppose then I just got bored of standing around, not being involved! One day I just decided I was going to play outfield. I left Brandford, went back to my own local team. It all started from there, really”.

Harps welcome Bray Wanderers to Finn Park on Friday night having suffered opening losses to both Galway United and Athlone Town. Farrar says things couldn’t be better off the pitch at Harps but they need to bring that harmony and togetherness onto the field of play.

“A lot of the lads go to the gym together, we go out for something to eat in wee groups. On and off the pitch we’re bonding quite well. I was one of the last in, and I just thought the group had already been together quite a while.

“So in that sense, it’s all gelling really nicely. Everyone or most of us are in that similar boat. When it was explained to me that most of the lads are new in the door, I was impressed with how everyone was making that real effort.

“To be fair to Dave and his backroom team, they are constantly driving that. No one feels left out. There is always that connection. As soon as I spoke to Dave I knew it was the right move for me.

“His enthusiasm and his plans moving forward, they’re really ambitious and structured. We know what we’re trying to do. It will take some patience and a little bit of time to get it nailed down but we’re working so hard with all of that”.

Still a teenager, Farrar says it was a big decision to take, upping sticks and relocating from the north of England to Donegal. But with his partner and parents due to join him at the weekend, the player admits it would be brilliant to reward that visit with a positive result in Ballybofey.

“This is my first time being away from home really. I have to say everyone I’ve met so far in Donegal has been really friendly. It’s close knit here, I’d say. My parents and my girlfriend are coming over Friday for the game so there will be a wee bit of added pressure there!”