Ronan Boyce: "All I want is a chance to show I’m good enough"

The talented 18-year-old defender signed his first professional terms with the Candy Stripes this week and he’s confident he’s got what it takes to make an impact in Declan Devine’s team this year.

He’s already made his first team competitive senior debut for the club back in 2019, coming on as a substitute in the 4-0 victory over Cork City at Brandywell.

The Ramelton teenager was hoping that would be the start of his promising senior career in the Red and White Candy Stripes but he’s since been restricted to just one other substitute appearance, against Shelbourne in the 2-0 home win last October.

Covid-19 certainly didn’t help his career progression as a shortened league campaign in 2020 during which Derry struggled for consistency didn’t facilitate many opportunities to blood youngsters.

If you’ve got the talent, however, you’ll get your chance and having been handed his first senior contract, Boyce can’t wait to show what he’s all about.

“I’m delighted to get it. I’ve worked hard for it over the past two or three years so I’m glad to get it done,” said the Co. Donegal lad.

“What I’m hoping for now is to get a chance in the team and break through because I’ve been in and around it now for a while. I’ve got to try and get in. I’m well able for it.

"I’ve been training every day with the first team last season and I think I’m ready to make that step up and play for the first team.”

The club’s transfer policy has taken a drastic change in direction following the mistakes of last season. The onus now is on building a young, dynamic, largely Irish based team with a special focus on the club’s academy.

Boyce follows in the footsteps of Jack Malone who has established himself as a key member of the first team panel over the past couple of seasons while striker Patrick Ferry will be hoping to play a bigger role this year as well.

Under-19 Republic of Ireland international, Boyce looks to have a bright future and while he admits he’s still got plenty to learn, he believes he’s got the hunger, desire, ability and adaptability to play his way into Devine’s plans.

“I felt I was close enough last year but you’ve got to bide your time. Covid didn’t help our progression last year, it was tough but I still wanted to play as many games as possible and get as much experience as I could. Covid didn’t allow for that.

“I’ve waited for my chance and hopefully I get the opportunity to pay back the faith that’s been shown in me. Declan speaks away to me and encourages me.

"I wanted to play a bigger role last year but hopefully this is my year. Hopefully I can push on because last year wasn’t a great season.

"I can bring a bit of hunger and passion, that’s one thing about me. I can play centre half or right back. I’ve plenty of energy, calm on the ball but I’ve plenty of hunger and desire to do well for Derry.

“All I want is a chance to show I’m good enough. I’ve had a lot of tough times before, even before training with Derry with injuries, but I’ve just knuckled down and now want to fulfil my potential.

“If that’s at Derry City then happy days but I just want to go as far as I can and play at the highest level I can.”

Mark McChrystal helped coach the City U19s in the Ulster Senior League last season alongside Shaun Holmes and also got to train daily with Boyce with the first team.

He was impressed with Boyce’s eagerness to learn and has no doubt the youngster has ability and attitude to do well.

“I worked with him last year and even when training with the first team, he was always asking questions. He was so keen to learn and has the right attitude.

“He’s now got an opportunity to focus on his football full-time but the hard work starts now. He needs to keep applying himself and learning. There’s no pressure on him but it’s a good opportunity to try and impress.”

Boyce is grateful for McChrystal’s guidance and he’s willing to learn from the likes of Eoin Toal and Darren Cole over the next few months.

“I’m still learning the game as well,” he admitted. “I’ve a lot to learn and Mark McChrystal has helped me a lot. I’ve learned a lot from him.

“Eoin Toal and Darren Cole are two quality players too and hopefully I can pick up a few things from them as well to take my game on.”