ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

New Signing?

I was looking through some unofficial sites and they seem to be reporting that we have signed a Northern Ireland youth international called Eunan O'Kane from Derry-based Maiden City Academy for a fee of around £50,000.

Well anyway he is a fellow Derry boy and played in the Milk Cup. He's apparently had offers from Ajax, Arsenal, Hearts and PSV but decided to sign for us which can only be a good thing - unless he turns out like his namesake, John!
Kevin Tongue, Derry Posted 05/09/2007 at 20:34:16

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Michael Kenrick

I believe he played for the Under-18s at the weekend... [ Link to Echo/Post report]

terry.hayes
1 Posted 05/09/2007 at 22:52:57

well kev if ajax and arsenal are having a look ,he must have talent,any idea what position he plays?

Chris Lee
2 Posted 06/09/2007 at 01:49:33

Eunan is apparently a left-sided midfielder. Only turned 17 in July but has now been called up to the Northern Ireland Under 19 squad for a training camp. http://www.irishfa.com/the-ifa/news/3313/under-19-boys-head-for-lilleshall

Chris Lee
3 Posted 06/09/2007 at 01:54:10

Little bit more info...

Eunan played for Tranmere in a pre-season friendly defeat to Southport. He "looked quick and skillfull at times and did cause the Southport defence problems". I’d be disappointed if he wasnt able to cause a Conference North side’s defence problems ;)

M. Simpson
4 Posted 06/09/2007 at 11:07:27

Nice... always good to see a local lad do well. (Limavady here)

Erik Dols
5 Posted 06/09/2007 at 12:43:55

I hope I don’t insult anyone with this, but playing for the Northern Ireland Under 19’s hardly gives me the cold rash... Even if the lad is just 17 years old.

Time will tell, although we could use a decent left midfielder if you ask me.

Dave Flinton
6 Posted 06/09/2007 at 14:54:18

Erik

What is wrong with representing your national team at u19 when you are 17? He’s hardly gonna be representing England is he??

Erik Dols
7 Posted 06/09/2007 at 16:21:21

Well, Dave, I’m not saying he’s doing a bad job or anything. And you’re totally right that it isn’t his fault for being N-Irish.

What I tried to imply is that to represent Northen Ireland in a youth team is no proof of undoubted world class talent. For two reasons:

A. Northern Ireland isn’t that big of a country footballing-wise. But like you stated, that’s not his mistake, it’s not like Brazil took a look at him but declared him not good enough so he went to N-Ireland ;)

B. I’ve seen plenty of players who represented their national team as a young kid but failed to make an impact on the "real" stage both for club and country.

It’s nice to represent your country, it is not a bad sign, I dont hold it against the lad, but I won’t get very excited by it. Let’s wait if he’s really the guy for us. I certainly do hope so!

Brian Duffy
8 Posted 04/08/2008 at 10:09:21

George Best was from Northern Ireland, not bad for a small country.