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Town Amongst Clubs Eyeing Derry Youngster - Ipswich Town News

Town, Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, Celtic and Hearts are all interested in Derry City youngster Darren McCauley, according to reports in Northern Ireland.

McCauley, 17, has already impressed in two trials at Blackburn and Derry manager Stephen Kenny says there is widespread interest in the central midfielder: "We've 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."

Kenny says he would understand if McCauley left his club: "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.

"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."

McCauley is currently playing alongside Town’s Ronan Murray in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad, having previously featured for Northern Ireland’s U18 schools side.

If he moves to any of the interested clubs, both Derry and McCauley’s junior club Top of the Hill Celtic would be due compensation under FIFA rules.

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