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JOE HODGE says the chance to play senior football with Derry City was too good an opportunity to turn down.

The 18 year-old Manchester lad arrives at Brandywell Stadium as Man City's 'Scholar of the Year' but despite being regarded as one of the top prospects at the Etihad and in the Irish underage set-up, he's prepared to fight for his place in Declan Devine's starting line-up.

"I'm going to have to earn it if I want my place in the team," he said. "I'm going to have to make sure I'm worthy of it," added Hodge who earned his first professional contract with City last summer.

"It's not just going to be handed to me. I have to come here and perform and work hard. Hopefully if I can do that I will get some gametime."

Read Hodge's full interview here

Joe Hodge: 'I'll have to earn my place in Derry City team'