BetMcLean Cup Final: Daniel Gyollai targets cup win to thank coach who helped shape his future

1 month ago 614

It will be a very special day for Daniel Gyollai tomorrow when he runs out at the National Stadium for the BetMcLean Cup final.

Not only will it be the big Hungarian's first final for Glentoran but he will be cheered on by some familiar faces in the crowd.

As well as his family, his partner and her parents, one of Gyollai's former youth coaches, who helped him make the decision to become a goalkeeper, will be there to support him in Belfast.

"I think I was 10-years-old when I was playing for my hometown team at a tournament in Budapest," explained the 27-year-old.

"At that stage, I was toying between being a goalkeeper and a striker. I was always a left-footer and they are always rarer to come by.

"András Helm came up to me and my family and asked me how old I was. He told me he liked the look of me, I move quite well and we know you like to come outside and play but we think you've got something special in goal.

"He took a picture of me, got my parents' details and told me he'd keep in touch. That was his way of going to his club at the time and saying he has someone with potential.

"There were talks about moving up to Budapest with two or three teams but it didn't materialise. Then I moved up to an academy where I then got the move to England at Stoke City.

"He was the first person to take notice of me in Hungary, so because of that we've had that long relationship spanning 15 years now. He's basically a family friend at this stage.

"He's been there throughout my career and he's been a great help, so I'm looking forward to him seeing a little bit of the fruits of his labour.

"I think there's about ten people coming over in total. My parents don't get to come over too many times as my mum is a teacher and my dad also works, so chances are limited.

"But for a Cup final we thought we have to get everyone over. My sister and her husband live near Galway, so they can drive up the road and be here for the weekend.

"I've got a lot of good people supporting me but ultimately I'll be focussed on my job and hopefully it's going to be a great occasion and they can go home happy."

Gyollai has made a big impression since coming to the Irish League in the summer and he said having a former 'keeper in Declan Devine has helped him.

"I think it's helped massively," he said. "When I made the mistake against Cliftonville...he knows as a seasoned pro when you've made a mistake and he doesn't come in and scream at me.

"He's come in and said I should have done better and that's it. He told me that I've been in good form and to forget about it."

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Source: www.belfastlive.co.uk
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