TYRONE’S CONOR MCKENNA is set to make his AFL debut next Saturday when lining out for his club Essendon against Richmond.

The 19 year-old has got the nod for the clash which will take place at the MCG in Melbourne on Saturday night – 10.20am Irish time.

“The coach took me in yesterday about three o’clock after training,” revealed McKenna when speaking to the Essendon website.

“Cora, who has been working with me all year, he just said ‘congratulations, you’re playing against Richmond this week’.

“It’s just good to get a role now.”

McKenna’s progress was praised by Essendon development coach Paul Corrigan.

“It’s great reward for the hard work he’s put in. He’s obviously crammed a lot in the time that he’s been here.

“He does more sessions than anyone else, he never misses a beat.”

McKenna has impressed in front of goal to date in his Aussie Rules career and has kicked 18 goals in 15 VFL games this season.

The Eglish club man came to prominence on the Tyrone team that lost the 2013 All-Ireland minor football final against Mayo. His parents are set to fly to Melbourne to attend Saturday’s game.

He joins the likes of Carlton’s Ciaran Byrne and Ciaran Sheehan as Irish players who have made their AFL debuts over the past twelve months.

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