Stephen Christopher delighted to score wonder goal

With over seven and a half thousand views in the last week, teenager Stephen Christopher's first league of Ireland goal has certainly shown others in the league that he is not just there to make up the numbers.
 

Along with young players such as Ryan Goldsmith and Chris Mc Carthy, Christopher has made the step up from under 19 football to the SSE Airtricity League First Division.

"Yes at the start I felt I struggled with the pace of the game in training and in matches but with playing more games and training with the lads it became easier to adapt to the pace of the game," Christopher said when asked about the step up from the under 19 Elite Division.
 

"The under 19 league is great for young players around the country as you get to test yourself at the highest level possible against lads the same age as you and from playing in the league last year it has helped me improve as a player." 
 

Unlike some other young prospects at Premier Division clubs, Christopher is gaining vital match experience under manager Stephen Henderson in the First Division.

"Just being involved with the first team helps you develop as a player, learning from lads who have played in England and in this league for years and off the coaching staff who have been in this league for years.

“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and a few more of our under 19s from last year to give us a chance in the team and I'm sure it will stand to us in the future."
 

With his 35 yard free kick all over social media for the last week, the teenager discusses the planning behind the strike, " It definitely wasn't planned as I was surprised when Hendo(Stephen Henderson) told me to take the free, Initially I was planning to cross it but after placing the ball I thought why not go for it and luckily it went in."
 

Youth has played a major part in Stephen Henderson's rejuvenation of Cobh Ramblers over the last six months’. With his first league of Ireland goal firmly announcing Christopher's arrival to senior Irish football and others impressing in Cobh's performances of late, Henderson could have a tough job on his hands to discourage the bigger teams in the country from poaching some of Cobh’s top young talent.