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When Motherwell lost Chris Porter to Derby County in the January 2009 transfer window, 'Well manager Mark McGhee moved quickly to fill the void left by the former Oldham player's departure by bringing in Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan on loan until the close of the season.
The young Irishman joined Celtic in 2006 having played with Dublin side Belvedere. Ironically, like another one-time 'Well striker, Richie Foran, Celtic's interest had forced Sheridan to make a decision as to whether to continue his Gaelic football career or to go with soccer. Like Foran, soccer won the day.
Cillian worked his way up through the youth set up at Celtic Park and made his senior debut in February 2007 in Celtic's 2-1 over Inverness in the Scottish Cup. Sheridan's promise was rewarded by a 3 year contract from the Parkhead side. His league bow came towards the end of the season in a 2-1 loss at Easter Road.
After several substitute appearances, including a run-out at Old Trafford in the Champions League, Sheridan's first start came in October 2008 against Hibernian and his first goal for the Hoops came just half an hour into that game.
Enjoying an extended run in the Celtic first team, Sheridan played for an hour in Celtic's Champions League match at home to Manchester United and added to his tally soon after with a double in a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock and a strike in a 3-1 win over St Mirren, having come on from the bench.
The return to fitness of Vennegoor of Hesselink has saw Cillian take something of a back-seat and prompted Motherwell gaffer Mark McGhee to offer the striker the platform of more regular first team action at Fir Park.
Sheridan's 'Well debut came against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup 5th round where he was involved in the move which saw Motherwell level against Saints and take the match to a replay.
His first goal soon came in his third match for the club, a rasping drive which secured a 2-1 success over Inverness in late February.
As might be expected with a youngster still learning his trade Sheridan struggled to perform consistently with performances up and down throughout his time with 'Well.
He retained the confidence and support of Motherwell manager Mark McGhee all through his loan deal at Fir Park though, and after turning in an excellent display against Hamilton in the penultimate match of the season, where he also scored, the 'Well gaffer made it clear if there were any possibility he would be delighted to have Sheridan back at the club for the 2009'10 season.
In his five month deal with the club the Irishman made 10 starts, coming off the bench 5 times and scored twice.
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D.O.B:
23/02/1989
Born:
Bailieborough, Ireland
Height:
6' 2'
Weight:
Signed From:
Celtic (Loan)
Sold To:
Celtic (Loan Return)
Position:
Striker
International Caps:
 0
International Goals:
0
2008/09 Squad No: 9
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