Cork City record breaker Jaden Umeh tipped for bright future

RECORD BREAKER: Jaden Umeh has been tipped for a bright future, even if it’s likely to be away from Cork City. Pic credit: Kevin Barry Dorney

Record breaker Jaden Umeh has been tipped for a bright future, even if it’s likely to be away from Cork City.

Friday’s meaningless final league match of the regulation season at Bohemians, a 4-0 defeat, was brightened by the debut off the bench for Umeh at the age of 15 years and 230 days.

He went straight from Dalymount Park afterwards into camp with Ireland’s Under-16s ahead of the Victory Shield campaign in Wales. Umeh, already capped a year up at Under-17 level, is expected to start in the noon opener against Scotland.

When he samples senior action again after becoming City’s youngest-ever debutant is uncertain, for Portuguese giants Benfica are eager to recruit the Mahon native next March when he turns 16.

Alternatively, he could opt to emulate his brother, Crystal Palace recruit Franco, by waiting until reaching 18 to join a UK-club when Brexit rules allow.

“He’s an amazing talent,” said City’s caretaker boss about the player he brought on for the last 20 minutes against Bohs.

“He’s only 15 but it’s great to see him running at defenders. To see that speed and directness, going one v one against opponents, was brilliant.

“I’d love to be introducing him in another situation where the pressure isn’t so high but he still deserved that opportunity.”

Holland rested the core of his team – captain Cian Coleman, Josh Honohan, Tiernan Brooks and Cian Bargary – with Friday’s playoff against Waterford the priority.

Midfielder Aaron Bolger also didn’t feature against the Gypsies for fear he’d pick up another booking to incur a suspension.

Neither was Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh risked with a knock but should be fit for Friday. Kevin Čustović is the major doubt as the Swede’s hamstring injury is being managed.

“We’ll make a call about Kevin on Thursday,” added Holland.

Before watching the First Division element of the playoff phase conclude on Saturday with Waterford beating Cobh Ramblers 2-1 in extra-time, Holland had labelled the prospective tie with Cobh as their game of the century.

There’ll still be Munster rivalry in facing the Blues at Tallaght, a team 12 months ago they easily brushed off in racing to the First Division title. More recently in August, they coasted to a 3-0 FAI Cup win at Turner’s Cross.

Premier Division survival for City and promotion for Waterford raises the stakes to another level. Holland is mindful of using this week to perfect preparations for a clash that could be settled in a penalty shootout.

“Being realistic when I took over in September that our season would come down to this game,” he said of his brief for the past five weeks.

“I need to prepare lads for the build-up because that can be worse. The game becomes the easy part because you just go and play.

“It’s important that we’re ready for all scenarios. Waterford will be highly motivated but we’ve performed well in the big games.

“If we can raise our game to the level we were at against St Pat’s last month, we’ll have a great chance on Friday.”