Devine delighted with youthful Derry side

Derry City’s young side kept the pressure on Sligo Rovers at the top of the Airtricity League table on Friday night with a convincing 4-0 win over Bohemians.

Goals from Patrick McEleney, Michael Rafter, Ryan McBride and Barry McNamee gave The Candystripes their fourth consecutive league win and left manager, Declan Devine, very happy.

Speaking to the assembled press after the match the 39-year-old praised his side for a comprehensive win over a spirited Bohemians side.

“I’m delighted because we came here with a lot of respect for our opponents. We came here knowing that Bohemians would have a lot of the ball.”

The Northern side were lightning-quick on the counter-attack throughout the game, allowing them to punish some defensive errors made by Bohs. This was something that pleased Devine.

“Technically they’re a very good side but I think we demonstrated a terrific counter-attacking ability tonight.”

If Derry’s youthful side are to win anything this year they will have to prove wrong the wise old words of one Alan Hansen who, of course, famously said: “you’ll never win anything with kids”. Kids are what make up the core of Derry’s squad this season but playing at the top level in Ireland doesn’t seem to have phased them so far.

Devine was keen to point out how his young players are maturing as the season goes on, especially the back-four which had an average age of just 22 and a half years on Friday evening.

“I’m delighted with our back four, I think they’ve really matured. There’s nobody in the defence over 24 years of age. I think they’re maturing very well; Shane McEleney and Ryan McBride are an outstanding partnership.”

With emerging talent in the Derry squad such as Barry McNamee and Michael Rafter, there will always be the question of how difficult it will be to keep them on at the end of the season. Devine is certainly aware of the reputation Derry City have for producing such players.

“[Speaking about Barry McNamee] I hope we can keep him on. He’s a smashing player, but the nature of the club is that there’s always going to be players who’ll move on. McNamee is outstanding talent. I have no doubt that the players at this club are going to attract attention.”

Centre-back Shane McEleney is another youngster who has impressed many a fan and pundit this season. Devine said: “For me Shane McEleney is going to be very difficult to hold onto. He’s six-foot-four, he’s got pace, and he’s got better in the air. There are a lot of players there that could potentially attract a lot of interest.”