Gavin Kilkenny – remember the name.
The 16-year-old Irish winger has been named by The Guardian in this year’s edition of their “Next Generation” series, which profiles the most talented young player at each respective Premier League club.
Kilkenny, who has been capped at U17 level for the Republic of Ireland, joined Bournemouth from Dublin schoolboy side St Kevin’s Boys at the end of last season, after excelling while on-trial at the club.
“He’s a fairly attack-minded winger, he’s bright, has got good feet, good technical ability and a good work-rate,” Bournemouth’s youth-team coach Carl Fletcher told The Guardian.
“He’s progressing nicely from what we have seen so far.”
Tonight's presentation to Gavin Kilkenny from SKB on his departure to begin his professional career @afcbournemouth pic.twitter.com/3c0wX8O5gk
— St Kevin's Football Club (@stkevinsfc) August 26, 2016
The Guardian named Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on their list of most promising players two years ago, but not every choice is going to prove as prescient.
There’s no guarantee that Kilkenny, or any of the players on the list, will fulfil their promise. There are numerous pitfalls a young footballer must navigate in order to make the first-team, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on his progress over the next few years.
The GAA Hour pays tribute to the unbeatable Dubs and ask where did it all go wrong for Mayo in the All-Ireland final replay. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes.
