SAINT DREAMS SECOND DOWN

Smyth concentrates on becoming top NFL kicker rather than Mourne return

- BY KARL O'KANE

FORMER Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth believes he can claim one of the 32 slots available for field goal kickers in the NFL.

The Mayobridge man is currently in the New Orleans Saints' practice squad but reckons his trajectory is upwards after winning a recent kicking contest and going seven for seven with his preseason kicks.

Smyth, 24, is two years chasing his dream and for now any thoughts of returning to the Down squad are on hold as he throws everything at making the grade in American Football.

"Don't get me wrong, you are aware of it," he said of playing for Down again. "I've put a lot of time towards this. The stakes are one of 32 in the world to be an NFL kicker. That's still my main goal.

"I believe now, even in week one there's a lot of kicking mishaps around the league. You just never know when that call could come. I'm seven for seven in preseason games.