FORWARD THINKER

If he's not making a raid on the flank Ryan's planning for future

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

RYAN MCLAUGHLIN has a licence to thrill thanks to top managers such as Brian Barry-Murphy and Stephen Kenny - now he has a licence to coach thanks to former club Liverpool.

The St Patrick's full-back has just completed his B badge, with the Anfield club coughing up the cash for his education.

It's the latest example of how the Premier League champions continue to look after players long after they leave Merseyside.

"I was actually on a call with the player liaison officer at the academy. I was on a call with him last week," said McLaughlin.

"They are always checking in on you, calling for half-an-hour or 45 minutes and catching up. They are always there if you want to do anything, always inviting you over to go in and watch training."

On the pitch, McLaughlin's focus is on Saints' busy second half of the season, with European and FAI Cup football to look forward to along with a title challenge.

The former Northern Ireland international has made 10 first-team appearances so far this season and is well on course to surpass last season's tally of 16.

He is enjoying life under Kenny, who encourages his wing-backs to get forward as much as possible.