The St. Columb's College student, who is now studying for his "A Level" examinations next Spring, has already attracted the attention of former English Premiership winners, Blackburn Rovers while Roy Keane's Ipswich Town, Coventry City and SPL representatives Celtic and Hearts, have all made contact with Derry in relation to the player.

In fact, McCauley is currently representing the Republic of Ireland Under-19 team in a special Four Nations tournament in Dublin and, in the company of Derry City teammate, Shane McEleney, played their parts in Sunday night's 2-0 victory over Turkey at Richmond Park.

Commenting on the news last night, Derry boss, Stephen Kenny, said the former Top of the Hill Celtic midfielder, certainly had the potential to play at the highest level and he confirmed that several clubs had made contact with Derry City.

"Darren has been with us for the past two years having been involved in our Academy side before progressing through from the 'A' team to representing the club's first team in both the FAI Cup and League Cup competitions," said Kenny.

"We've already offered him a professional contract, but he's expressed a desire to play full-time football across the Channel and I can fully understand that," added Kenny.

"He's played for our first team in this season's FAI Cup and the League Cup competitions and has made great progress under our underage coaches, Eddie Seydak and John Quigg last season.

"He had been included in the panel which travelled to Latvia in July in for the Europa League game against Skonto Riga - as has Shane McEleney - but Darren was forced to withdraw due to an injury. In fact, he would have made an even bigger impact in our first team this season but for a few injury problems and, of course, the importance of his studies at St. Columb's College," noted the Dubliner.

Now aged 17, the central midfielder has already travelled to Ewood Park on two occasions recently and, following a trial, the Waterside lad is believed to have made a significant impression, hence the contact from the North-West club last week.

"We've also had enquiries in relation to Darren from a number of other clubs in England and Scotland, so it's great to see full-time professional teams expressing an interest in any of our players," continued Kenny.

Should the player secure a move to full-time football in England or Scotland, then Derry's interests would be protected under UEFA's Under-23 Ruling which would identify the compensation to be paid not only to Derry City but also to his junior club, Top of the Hill Celtic, who have developed the player's talents over the past decade.

Players rested
Meanwhile, Derry City players will receive a rest this weekend having lost out in the FAI Cup, the club's next game scheduled for Friday week, September 18th, when they travel to United Park to face Drogheda. However, after that game, Stephen Kenny's side will find themselves facing a hectic itinerary with two games per week in both the League and Setanta Cup competition.

Following the Drogheda match, Derry face St. Pat's at the Brandywell in the Setanta Cup on Tuesday, September 22nd and they will play Bohemians, also at the Brandywell in the league the following Tuesday, September 29th.

On Saturday, October 3rd, Derry travel to Windsor Park for a 5.00 p.m. kick-off against Linfield in the Setanta Cup before setting sail for Turner's Cross and a league fixture against Cork City on Tuesday, October 6th.

"We will face a difficult schedule alright but, hopefully, we will have players returning from injury by that time while the remainder of the squad will be well rested before we face Drogheda on Friday week," declared Kenny.

On the injury front, Sammy Morrow will return to light training today (Tuesday) under Derry fitness coach, Colum O'Neill while Kevin Deery has received an injection via ultrasound in Belfast, in an effort to treat an injury behind his knee.

Steven Gray (knee) and Ger O'Brien (hamstring) will continue their treatment and should be available to face Drogheda as Clive Delaney will be suspended for that game, while James McClean has also picked up a thigh injury against Dundalk and could be out of action for a few weeks.