x

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.

What to read next:

Ashton: Recruitment Work Already Under Way
Town CEO Mark Ashton says he and manager Kieran McKenna have already begun work on recruiting for the Blues’ return to the Premier League.
Ashton: Over the Next Few Weeks Portman Road is Going to a Building Site
Town CEO Mark Ashton has revealed that around 750 season ticket holders will have to relocate their seats this summer due to the changes Portman Road will undergo ahead of the Blues return to the Premier League after 22 years away with safe standing, new camera positions, a new media area, a gantry, floodlights and a new Sky studio among the additions.
CEO Ashton Makes Good on Town Tattoo Promise
Town CEO Mark Ashton has made good on his promise to have the Town Suffolk Punch tattooed on his wrist should the Blues win promotion to the Premier League.
Town Trio Nominated For PFA Fans' Award
Town trio Sam Morsy, Leif Davis and Omari Hutchinson have been nominated for the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Year award.
Premier League Clubs to Vote on Scrapping VAR
Premier League clubs are set to vote on scrapping VAR this summer.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 42 - End-of-Season Awards
The inaugural Life’s a Pitch TV End-of-Season Awards, filmed in front of a live audience on Monday at Venue 16, is now available on YouTube and audio podcast platforms.
Hutchinson: Ipswich Town Will Always Have a Place in My Heart
Departing Blues loanee Omari Hutchinson says Town will always have a place in his heart following his outstanding season-long spell at Portman Road from Chelsea.
Premier League Transfer Window Dates Confirmed
The Premier League, in which the Blues will be taking part for the first time in 22 years next season, has confirmed its transfer window dates.
Al-Hamadi: Promotion Made Playing Through Pain Worth It
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who underwent surgery on his adductor injury yesterday, says he’s been playing through a lot of pain but that it was made worthwhile by helping Town reach the Premier League.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 41 - Alan Brazil
This week’s Life’s a Pitch TV, filmed in front of a live audience at Monday’s End-of-Season Bash at Venue 16, with star guest Alan Brazil is now available on YouTube and audio podcast platforms.