BOURNEMOUTH MANAGER EDDIE Howe has given his backing to Irish youngster Gavin Kilkenny, who appears to be making a big impression at the Premier League club.
The diminutive midfielder, who turned 20 this month, was rewarded for his progress with a new long-term contract in December.
Kilkenny forced his way into the first-team picture at the Vitality Stadium by impressing during their preparations for the 2019-20 campaign.
He scored in a pre-season friendly victory over French giants Lyon, before going on to get his first taste of competitive action in Carabao Cup ties against Forest Green Rovers and Burton Albion.
Although he has yet to make his Premier League debut, the young Dubliner was included among the substitutes for games against Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Burnley and Arsenal.
When speaking this week to the Bournemouth Daily Echo about Kilkenny’s contract extension, Howe said: “It’s a massive moment for him because I think it’s further evidence that we believe in him, we like him. It’s a confidence boost. He will feel like he belongs a little bit more in and around the players he is training and playing with.
“He’s done very well since pre-season really. He really has attacked it, he’s given everything, he’s grown with the challenges we have given him. I have been very pleased with his mindset. It’s hugely important when you give players opportunities that they take them.
“We saw something in him. I think we did a couple of training sessions early on in pre-season and he really stood out. From that moment we have taken him with us pretty much every day. He’s improved, kept his attitude and work ethic the same – he’s got a bright future if he can continue along that path.”
Kilkenny, who joined Bournemouth at 16 from St Kevin’s Boys, has also added to his international CV in recent months. His Ireland U21 debut against Armenia in September marked the first of six caps he has won for Stephen Kenny’s side.
Warning that there’s still plenty of improvement required from Kilkenny, Howe added: “The technical level is so important and it’s probably the most difficult thing for young players to bridge because they are training with elite players.
“Sometimes the younger guys come in and it’s difficult to attain that level but I think what he’s done is shown he can handle the ball, he wants the ball and can manipulate the ball in tight areas. That’s given him a great chance.
“He can be very good. Obviously he’s got things to work on, a lot of areas of his game have to improve to be able to play in the Premier League. Is he physical enough to play in the middle of the pitch? Can he defend well enough if he is playing in wide areas?
“The Premier League is so quick and demanding athletically, he’s got to hit those levels. He’s got to do a lot of gym work to get stronger and more robust but he is going along on the right path at the moment.”
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Kenny Out
@dublindamo: no let’s see how kenny reacts to this, in his time at rover’s and dundalk he always had a excuse granted at dundalk they were great but it’s the one thing I dislike about him,
@Happy entertainment: it’s just arrived- wind tunnel and unfair peno
Hope they bounce back and win next match didn’t see match but sounds like Ireland had chances so hopefully only a blip along the way
@Dylan lyons: I watched it, we played well enough, we will beat them at home
Ireland never really got going unfortunately.
Iceland are very experienced at U21 level and have had a settled group of players for the past 2 years compared to ourselves.
A point would have been a great result but a loss not the end of the world, still lots to play for and players to come back into the frame.
@Sean O Reily: this Iceland team got hammered 5-0 by Sweden at the weekend. Let’s not hype them up to make this very disappointing result easier to take.
@Cormac Ó Braonáin: Who were beaten 3-1 at home by Ireland. What’s your point?
@Gerard O’Brien: I think that’s exactly his point
Missing some key players there like Connolly and Troy in all fairness.
Interesting group this.
Losing to Iceland at soccer…what’s next…Galway losing to New York in the all ireland…
@Desmond Cassidy: Ah Des, did you forget to take your meds again?
Eidur Gudjohnson…………..or who?, I’ll get me coat.
@Mark o’ Leary: a good gag ruined by the “I’ll get me coat”
I’m not convinced about the wisdom of Kenny succeeding McCarthy, but his u21 record easily beats that of all his predecessors, so I think we should cut him some slack…
You forgot to put Zack Eblouzedi in the line up