Cork City’s matchwinner Ruairi Keating is predicting big things for Cillian Murphy after the 16-year-old made a stunning impact on his debut.
Friday’s First Division opener against Treaty United at Turner’s Cross was meandering towards stalemate until the substitute produced an incisive pass that led to Keating pocketing a stoppage-time goal.
City are roaring favourites for the sole automatic promotion slot but new manager Barry Robson required a spark of invention from his Limerick-born debutant to appease the majority of the 3,520 in attendance.
“He’s 16 years of age and has no fear,” 30-year-old Keating said of Murphy’s contribution after being introduced on the hour mark.
“He can take the ball either side, right or left foot. He’s incredible and I’ve never seen a kid like him.
“It’s great to have these players with us because they’ll only help us throughout the season.” Friday was also a fresh start of sorts for Keating. The veteran striker ruptured his Achilles last April, only returning for a brief cameo in the FAI Cup final defeat to Shamrock Rovers in November.
“I missed almost the entire season and it was difficult sitting in the stands being unable to affect or help the boys,” he reflected.
“This club means so much to me. I’ve been through a lot in the last few years that it feels like home. All I wanted to do was return for the FAI Cup final. That was probably a road too far in that I didn’t feel totally right but I wanted to do it.
“This year is a reset. I want to get going again, stay fit and bounce back straight up.” City are next in action on Friday when they travel to take on Stephen Elliott’s Wexford. They began the campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory at Cobh Ramblers.
