Striker Jamie Gullan is hoping that Dundalk can “build some momentum” over the coming week as they face into a busy period in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

The 24-year-old Scot opened his account for the club in the opening-day draw at Shamrock Rovers but was left frustrated with his new side’s performance in their first home game of the season against Galway United last Friday.

Stephen O’Donnell’s men look to respond to that 2-0 loss when they clash with Bohemians at Dalymount Park this Friday. Sligo Rovers then visit Oriel Park on Monday before Dundalk return to Dublin once again to face Saint Patrick’s Athletic at the end of next week. And Gullan says that the team is raring to go.

Jamie on Friday/Monday fixtures…

“I think as a footballer, you like when games come thick and fast. If you win a game, you want to carry that on to the next game as quickly as possible, and if you lose one, you’ve only got two or three days until the next one, so you can turn it around really quickly.

“It will be important for us over the next week to build some momentum and try to get us going from there. I’m excited for these games against Bohemians and then Sligo on Monday night.

“When you lose a game and perform badly, you just want the next game to come so you can try to make it right. It’s always a longer week when you lose. I can’t wait for Friday to come and hopefully, we’ll get the three points.”

On the positive first game to the disappointing second…

“It was brilliant, the first game. They were kind of polar opposites. We were so structured in the first game, and I felt like that went out the window in the second game.

“It felt like we all gelled as a group fairly quickly against Shamrock Rovers on the opening night. Then last Friday, you could see it was a lot of new players and it had the opposite feel to it.

“We’ve worked really hard in training, we’re all close off the pitch, and we’re only going to get better as we go and gel together. That starts from Friday.”

Jamie Gullan and David Hurley of Galway United during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match at Oriel Park. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

On the mood in the camp after the Galway game…

“It was a bad night all across the game, one that we didn’t take very well. But at the end of the day, it’s two games into a very, very long season. By Sunday, we were all back upbeat, having a laugh and getting ready for Bohs.

“We went over the Galway game and know what we can do better. We’ve worked on that in training this week. We’re all looking forward to Bohs now and trying to make things right from last Friday.”

On Galway…

“We weren’t surprised by Galway at all because we watch a lot of video throughout the week, so we knew exactly what style of play they had and what certain players did.

“We didn’t take on board what the gaffer was saying. We ended up playing into their hands and gave them a lot of confidence early doors. I don’t think we started the game too well and obviously we were two goals down by half an hour, so it was tough to get back into the game.

“We’ve watched it over and we’re going to learn from it. Hopefully, a performance like that won’t happen again.”

On his own performance…

“I was disappointed. I think, at times, it was tough to get involved in the game. I don’t think I got many opportunities around the goal. I felt like my link-up play could have been sharper, and a bit slicker as well when I did get the ball.

“Ultimately, as a striker, you’re disappointed when you’re not scoring. If I’d even played well but not scored, you’d still be disappointed. There are plenty of things to work on and to learn from.”

On Bohemians…

“We’ve done our usual preparation for Bohs. For players that have just come into the league, we do a lot of videos to familiarise them with different players and different tendencies. We’ll be hoping to go there and pick up the first three points of the season.”

On scoring…

“It was good to get off the mark as quickly as I did. It settles you down. You always want to get off the mark as quickly as possible as a striker.

“Hopefully, I’ll follow that up with more goals, contribute to set up a few as well and try to be involved as much as I can, in positive, attacking play. Fingers crossed, the goals will fly in.”