Irwin Jnr happy to play his own game

LIAM IRWIN knows that trying to emulate his father’s achievements in football is close to an impossible task.

When your dad is former Manchester United and Ireland star Denis Irwin, there is probably little point in playing a game of “show us your medals”.

Irwin Snr’s haul includes seven Premier League successes, a Champions League win, a Cup Winners’ Cup victory, three FA Cups, one League Cup, one Intercontinental Cup and one UEFA Super Cup.

Young Bolton Wanderers midfielder Liam made an impressive debut for the Irish U19 side against the Ukraine on Monday and will be watched by his dad against the same opponents this afternoon.

“Dad gives me advice all the time and he just wants me to do well,” said Liam. “My Dad has a go at me when I’ve not done well and I do try to listen. Obviously I have to consider how much he’s done as a player himself.

“I don’t have many memories of him playing for Ireland but I remember some of the friendly games in Dublin.

“I was at the 1994 World Cup watching him but I really don’t remember it because I was so young.”

Irwin Jnr, 18, is a central midfielder with a lovely touch and with the family trademark composure on the ball.

And he was delighted to follow in his father’s footsteps and finally make his debut for Ireland.

“I’ve always wanted the call-up for Ireland but I felt that I’d have to be playing well at club level and if I was doing that, then the call would come, and it has,” he said.

“Anybody would want to play on the international stage but I never really thought about it until this season.

“It felt different to an English club game. I had more time on the ball and I thought it went well.”

Liam ended up signing for Bolton after a trial at Manchester United and has progressed into the reserves.

He is aiming to win a professional contract at the end of the campaign and catch manager Owen Coyle’s eye.

“Owen Coyle hasn’t spoken to me directly but I got feedback that he was happy for me and said I deserved it. He saw me in the Youth Cup last season and apparently he’s happy with how I’m doing,” said Irwin.

At international level, the teenager is set to become a regular in Sean McCaffrey’s U9 squad judging by his display against the impressive Ukrainians.

“It wasn’t an easy game to be thrown into. Wee Irwin is another find. He’s so neat and tidy with the ball,” said the Irish youths boss.

“He is a good player. He has a great touch, great awareness and a great range of passing. He’ll physically get stronger. He’s a light wee cub but we didn’t want him to mix it. We told him to press but didn’t want him tackling all the time. We wanted him to work hard and to pass the ball. I thought he was superb.”

Irwin Jnr wins his second Ireland cap today when the Irish meet Ukraine again in another friendly at Frank Cooke Park, Dublin (1pm).