Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins pleased for young players

The teenager, who replaced Ronan Boyce just after the hour mark in Friday night’s emphatic victory over UCD, slotted comfortably into life in the Premier Division and Higgins believes his character will mean he continues to improve.

Higgins also praised another young player in Gerard Storey who, since impressing during a friendly against City while playing for Cliftonville, hasn’t had much game time this season.

“Gerard Storey has found his time extremely limited but he’s a good young player. Given what we brought into the midfield areas in the off season it was going to be difficult for him, but getting in tonight it will be good for confidence,” admitted Higgins.

“He had a few nice cross field passes and that’s the type of player he is.

“Daithí McCallion, just turned 17, but I don’t think anything phases him and he celebrated at full-time like we scored a 94th minute winner. That shows the passion he has for his city and his club.

“I think given the character that he is, it wouldn’t surprise me if he goes on to have a good career, but he needs to stick at it and keep developing.”