Conor Sammon: I know how lucky I am to have a career as a professional footballer

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/12/05/ - Dec 5 2010 Scott Mcdermott, http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/ - Sunday Mail

CONOR SAMMON used to count people's money as a bank teller in Dublin.

Now goals are the only thing the Kilmarnock striker is tallying up.

The Irishman has been a revelation in Scotland's top-flight this term with Mixu Paatelainen's side - who have been this season's shock troops.

After an indifferent two years at Rugby Park under Jim Jefferies and Jimmy Calderwood, Sammon is flourishing under the big Finn and has already hit the back of the net 14 times.

His blistering form has prompted links to bigger clubs and a possible Republic of Ireland call-up for the 24-year-old hitman.

But Sammon's grounding at part-time outfit UCD (University College Dublin) in his homeland will ensure his feet are never too far from the ground.

As a promising youngster in Dublin he split his time between football and a Bank of Ireland branch where he would work five days a week.

And the Killie strike star is adamant that year-long experience behind a desk has helped mould him into the player he is today - because he'll never take his current job for granted.

Sammon told MailSport: "It was always football, football, football for me back home. It was all I ever did as a kid and when I went to UCD it was part of a sports scholarship - I went there straight from school.

"There were studies involved but it just wasn't for me. I was so keen on being a professional footballer it was all I ever thought about.

"UCD was an enjoyable time for me. They were a part-time team so we'd train two nights a week then have a game at the weekend.

"So I was working full-time in a bank during the week. It was a proper nine-to-five job as a teller at a Bank of Ireland branch in Dublin.

"I look at myself now and realise how lucky I am that I can just concentrate on football every day.

"Working in the bank was a great experience - I was there for a year.

"When I see boys in Scotland now who have had a professional contract since the age of 16 I think I have a real advantage over them.

"I've seen what it's like on the other side, doing a normal job and having less time to train and practice.

"Even when I worked in the bank I was confident I could be a professional player. At UCD there were always stories about clubs watching me.

"I was focused on achieving my goal and thankfully I've done it. Now, it's about progressing further and trying to be the best player I can possibly be.

"Every day I come into training with Kilmarnock I take nothing for granted.

"I compare myself to a young Scottish lad at 16 who has never done anything but played football.

"They haven't experienced another job and - you see it with some of the youth players - they think 'I'll just go on from here and be a top pro'. But it doesn't always work out like that.

"I'm grateful for the experiences I've had in the past. They've helped me become the player I am today."

Derry City took a 20 grand punt on Sammon and his talents were quickly recognised across the Irish Sea in Scotland. Hamilton Accies were interested but Killie secured his signature two years ago.

But after failing to hit the heights after first arriving in the SPL it looked like he would only ever be a bitpart player in Ayrshire, before the arrival of Paatelainen in the summer.

After hitting a hat-trick in his first start against Airdrie United in the Co-op Cup, the transformation in Sammon's game has been nothing short of remarkable.

He credits his gaffer with part of his development - but is adamant he's always been capable of producing the red-hot SPL form he's currently in.

Sammon said: "Mixu has given me a lot of advice and pointers. I was given my chance against Airdrie early in the season. I was keen to impress that night and managed to score a hat-trick.

"I've taken confidence from that and Mixu has shown great faith in me by picking me from the start every week.

"Obviously he was an international striker himself, he played at a high level in England and was a quality frontman here in Scotland too.

"I'm keen to learn and there's not many better - or with more experience - who I could learn from.

"When I came to Kilmarnock initially I only managed to score seven goals in my first two seasons. It was a frustrating time for me because I wasn't always involved in the side.

"I was on and off the bench and at times I even sat in the stand watching on. We had a lot of strikers such as Kevin Kyle, David Fernandez, Mark Burchill and Allan Russell.

"I always felt capable of doing more. I tried to channel my frustration in the right way as deep down I knew I could do what I'm doing just now - score goals regularly in the SPL.

"I feel I can continue to improve so I have to keep taking advice on board."

Contrary to reports suggesting the striker is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, MailSport can reveal Sammon has a one-year option which will be activated when he has made a certain amount of appearances.

The Irishman is close to reaching that mark now and he insists he's in no rush to head for the Rugby Park exit door - because he feels like he'll score in every game he plays in.

He said: "My confidence is so high I'm going into every game feeling I can score. I know I'll get chances and I'm confident that I can take them.

"I have an option in my contract for another year if I play a certain amount of games and I'm very close to that already. I'm happy at Killie, we have a great spirit, quality players and a good manager.

"This club is a great springboard for me to keep progressing."