15-year-old Umeh an option for playoff, admits City boss Holland

The winger is expected to join Portuguese giants Benfica in March but may be asked to play a role in City’s biggest game of the season at Tallaght Stadium.

Tue, 07 Nov, 2023 - 16:08

John Fallon

Cork City have not ruled out unleashing 15-year-old wonderkid Jaden Umeh on Waterford this Friday in a bid to preserve their Premier Division status.

The winger is expected to join Portuguese giants Benfica in March but may be asked to play a role in City’s biggest game of the season at Tallaght Stadium.

After becoming the youngest league debutant in the club’s history by coming off the bench against Bohemians last Friday at the age of 15 years and 230 days, the Mahon native linked up with the Ireland squad for their Under-16 Victory Shield campaign in Wales.

Umeh started Monday’s 1-0 win over Scotland and though the matches run until Saturday, he may be recalled to Leeside prematurely to aid his local club in their time of need.

Caretaker boss Richie Holland only has Kevin Čustović majorly doubtful for the Munster derby – which will be finished on the night – and has yet to decide on whether to mobilise the Umeh phenomenon.

“We’ll see,” he said today, with a smile.

“Jaden could be in the squad. I watched his game (against Scotland) yesterday and he was very good. He’s really come on in the last few months from playing with Ireland’s Under-17s and so on.

“I’m waiting on one or two players, so we’ll see how that situation develops.”

This game for a place in next year’s top-flight had been anticipated since early in the season.

Waterford couldn’t last the pace with runaway leaders Galway United for the sole promotion ticket from the First Division while City have occupied the playoff berth, second from bottom, for most of their first season back in the Premier.

Holland was present at Turner’s Cross on Saturday to see Ronan Coughlan score his 36th goal of the season to help the Blues overcome Cobh Ramblers in the First Division phase of the series.

“We’ve done our homework on all the four teams in the playoffs,” said the Corkman, who was handed the interim reins in September.

“Waterford are a very good side. They’ve got a lot, with Premier Division experience as well.

“Even, you look at the game the other day against Cobh, and they’re bringing on boys who have played in the Premier Division so that shows you the strength in their squad.

“Coughlan is a very clever player, sharp around the box with his movement. He’s ruthless when he gets a chance.

“Sometimes he can drop into midfield to get them playing or can work off the shoulder. I can see why he’s scored so many goals.

“They’re more than capable of going and winning the game on Friday night. It is up to us really in terms of how we perform to stop that. I wouldn’t read too much into that cup game.”

Holland’s only disappointment about this shootout is the neutral venue location.

“Look, the travel to Dublin for the fans is not ideal,” he noted. “You look at venues that are closer and is there a venue suitable for the size of the two clubs?

“The (FAI) made their decision and we just have to go with that. In terms of a pitch and so on, it’s a great pitch, but for travel it is a bit awkward for both clubs.”