Published: Thursday, 21st January, 2010 5:08pm

Parry: Cup and top 3 will do me

By Robert Burns

CLEANSHEET KING: Neil Parry

MODEST Arthurlie keeper Neil Parry is rated as one of the best keepers in the Junior ranks - but he owes his fantastic success to the players in front of him.

Parry has one of the best shut-out records in the Junior ranks and has kept eight clean sheets so far this season.

So far he has helped the Dunterlie club reach fifth spot in the league as well as clinch the Sectional League Cup for the second time in a row with some heroic performances.

But the 24-year-old goalie admitted it wouldn't be possible without the strong Arthurlie side and reckons they can achieve more success in the second half of the campaign.

He said: "I don't really set myself targets to be honest. Obviously as goalkeeper you're wanting as many clean sheets as possible, but what's most important is the team winning.

"I've got to give a lot of credit to the guys in front of me too as they are just as important in not conceding.

"I had a great cleansheet record when I was at Petershill but we were also one of the lowest

scorers.

"But at Arthurlie we like to attack more and that makes the games far more entertaining.

"The squad have been terrific. What's shocked me is how Arthurlie have struggled in previous seasons when there's so much quality in the dressing room.

"Players like Craig Malcolm, Sean Winters, John McLay and Craig Higgins would walk into any Junior team. What's also important is the fact we all get on so well, team nights out are always some laugh and gives us a real togetherness which is encouraged by the gaffer.

"Without wanting to look to far ahead, I really feel a top-three finish would be great and ideally winning the Scottish Cup.

"The squad at Arthurlie is as good as any other in our league, we just need a bit more consistency and I'm sure we won't be far away."

Parry had a spell at Stenhousemuir before moving to Petershill and admitted he would like another chance at senior level, but he still has ambitions to add to his honours with Arthurlie.

He said: "I'd be lying if I said I didn't have ambitions to play at the highest level possible, but I really feel happy with Arthurlie just now and I think after Irvine Meadow's run in the Scottish Cup it shows that the Juniors is a great standard.

"My time with Stenhousemuir probably came a bit early for me and I feel I'm a much different player to what I was then.

"My main priority is playing well with Arthurlie and anything that comes with that is a bonus.

"I'd be delighted if the call came and I feel I'm more than capable, but it's not my decision to make

so I'll keep giving my all for Lie and see where it gets me.

"The gaffer showed a lot of faith bringing me to the club and I've loved playing under him.

"Training is always enjoyable and if we can get a little more consistency I know we won't be far away from the top honours."

Arthurlie's much-anticipated derby with Pollok was postponed for the second time on Saturday. Despite facing a string of call offs, Parry doesn't think astro-turf parks are the solution for Junior clubs.

He said: "I think this year has been the worst I can remember by far. All-weather parks aren't necessarily the answer because games on those pitches have been cancelled too.

"I definitely think a winter break would be the best idea and if that involves extending the season then so be it."

Looking back at his time in the SFL between 2003 and 2005, one man Parry came up against while he was at the Warriors was Bolton Wanderers' new manager, Owen Coyle.

Coyle was a formidable hitman in his playing days and has proven to be an astute manager in the English Premier League with Burnley, before moving to Bolton last month.

The Lie keeper reckons he was the finest player he ever came up against, while current Clydebank striker Stevie Dallas was the best player he has been alongside.

He added: "During my time at Petershill Stevie Dallas was a great forward. The number of goals he scored was tremendous and he really led the line well.

"The hardest player I've faced was Owen Coyle during my time at Stenny, he just seemed to be able to pass the ball by you with no effort."

Arthurlie play Petershill at home on Saturday, weather permitting. Kick-off is at 1.45pm.

Return to: Homepage | Sport Index | This article