Waterford United winger Jack Doherty has confirmed that he is due at Portman Road next week to hold talks regarding his move to Town. As reported earlier, Town and the Airtricity First Division club are close to confirming a deal which will see the 18-year-old join the Blues.
Speaking to Waterford radio station WLR FM after coming on as a half-time sub in this evening's 0-0 draw with Mervue, Doherty said: "I’m going over next week to sort out contract talks and I’m looking to move over in the next week or two.”
Doherty impressed Town boss Mick McCarthy during the Blues’ recent training camp at Carton House in Kildare — "everything he asked me to do I did it for him” - when he says was looked after by Daryl Murphy, who made the move from Waterford United into English football himself some years ago when he joined McCarthy’s former club Sunderland.
"I was delighted to be with Daryl over there,” Doherty said. "He helped me fit in with the group up in Carton House. I’m delighted and I can’t wait to get started.
"I'm sad to leave Waterford," he added. "They’re a big club, I hope they do well in the rest of the season and they get promoted.”
He says his move is a dream come true: "It’s what you dream about when you’re younger — to be a professional footballer.
"To go over and do it then is another thing but the hard work starts when you get over there.”