Tiernan Lynch praises Derry City teens after Tallaght debuts

DERRY CITY's injury woes and spate of player departures have opened a rare window of opportunity for some of the club's Academy prospects - two of whom made their senior debuts on Monday night in Tallaght.

Teenager Liam Kelly became the club's youngest ever player to make his first-team debut at 15 years of age as a 72nd-minute substitute for Ireland centurion, James McClean at the home of the champions Shamrock Rovers.

Terence Doherty and Liam Kelly of Derry City after the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Adam Russell/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Terence Doherty and Liam Kelly of Derry City after the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Adam Russell/Sportsfile

Who would've envisaged that scenario at the start of the season when Tiernan Lynch had assembled what many felt was an experienced title-winning squad?

Not too many is the answer but it was a welcome sight for those who are calling from the rooftops to stop the blockage of homegrown talent progressing through the ranks.

Goalscorer Liam Boyce celebrates with Derry City team-mate James McClean. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Seventeen year-old Terence Doherty accompanied Kelly on to the pitch for goalscorer Liam Boyce while Oisin O'Brien (15), Caolan O'Donnell (17) and Callum Downey (18) were unused subs. Newly installed Director of Football was delighted to see the progression of some of the club's young stars.

"Fantastic to see six former and current Academy players involved last night," he posted on social media.

"One starting, two coming on and three making the bench. Congratulations to Terence and Liam on your debuts. A proud moment for everyone involved."

And team boss Tiernan Lynch, who will be hoping to bolster his team for a huge final part of the season, was delighted to give the youngsters an unforgettable experience and their respective senior breakthroughs.

Michael Duffy against Matt Healy of Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

"I actually asked Stephen [Bradley] if I could borrow a couple of his players to go on but it wasn't happening," joked the Derry boss when asked about the teams' contrasting subs benches.

"We are where we are. As I keep telling everybody, as one door closes another opens. People like Mark McChrystal and the Academy staff at the football club, being able to bring on young Terence Doherty who just turned 17 and young Liam Kelly who is only 15. It was a great opportunity for them to come on. We thought they worked their socks off. I couldn't be more proud of them.

"You would love to have that [Rovers' strength in depth] but we are where we are. We can cry and complain and moan but we are where we are. We're working extremely hard behind the scenes to try to get players in for the window opening.

"Mark Connolly has come in as Director of Football and he's working tirelessly to get people in the door. There are lots of conversations going on every day and all day and hopefully we can do that and bolster the squad and help us kick on. Nobody is ever signed until their name is on the dotted line but I'm hoping and praying."

Carl Winchester in action against Naj Razi of Shamrock Rovers. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

On the 1-1 draw itself, Lynch was delighted to see a reaction after the disappointing defeat in Galway.

"To be very honest, if you had offered me a point down here tonight, especially with where we are at the moment and all that's going on with us I would've probably snapped your arm off for it.

"I couldn't be more proud of them because I actually came in after the game, and they were disappointed they didn't hold out and get all three points,” he added.