Mathews lauds Drogs' new star
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Alan Mathews has admitted that Drogheda United will find it tough to hang onto talented youngster Eoghan Osbourne, especially after he scored the winner against St Patrick's Athletic.
The Ireland Youth international was featuring for The Boynesiders due to the suspension of first-choice left-back Joseph Kendrick, although he may have staked a solid claim for the position.
As well as keeping Ryan Guy quiet for the majority of the evening, Osbourne also netted the winning goal when his free-kick in injury time curled into the bottom corner of the goal.
Mathews was delighted with how the young defender coped and afterwards predicted a bright future in the game for him if he continues to develop at the rate that he currently is.
"He's a good player. We've got to try to keep him focused. He's been with us since last year. Played a couple of times for us then got injured," said Mathews.
"There were a couple of clubs in England and Scotland who had a look at him. He played here last year and had an unfortunate night when he was half caught for the first goal.
"But his performance tonight was very mature. He's just turned 18, so for a kid who's just turned 18 he has a good future.
"If he continues to progress and train and learn and keep good habits there is no doubt he'll become a good player.
"We probably won’t be able to hold onto him, which is fine, if it's for the right reason that he moves on."
The Ireland Youth international was featuring for The Boynesiders due to the suspension of first-choice left-back Joseph Kendrick, although he may have staked a solid claim for the position.
As well as keeping Ryan Guy quiet for the majority of the evening, Osbourne also netted the winning goal when his free-kick in injury time curled into the bottom corner of the goal.
Mathews was delighted with how the young defender coped and afterwards predicted a bright future in the game for him if he continues to develop at the rate that he currently is.
"He's a good player. We've got to try to keep him focused. He's been with us since last year. Played a couple of times for us then got injured," said Mathews.
"There were a couple of clubs in England and Scotland who had a look at him. He played here last year and had an unfortunate night when he was half caught for the first goal.
"But his performance tonight was very mature. He's just turned 18, so for a kid who's just turned 18 he has a good future.
"If he continues to progress and train and learn and keep good habits there is no doubt he'll become a good player.
"We probably won’t be able to hold onto him, which is fine, if it's for the right reason that he moves on."
