Ryan McLaughlin is considered one of the brightest prospects to come out of Northern Ireland in some time, according to Frank McParland, who will oversee his progress at Liverpool over the next three years.
Liverpool FC Academy Director McParland is full of praise for the 16-year-old defender who will leave home in the summer in a bid to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
The St Mary's CBGS pupil showed why Liverpool regard him so highly when he starred for his school in their 4-3 victory over Boys Model in the Maxol Schools Cup final in March.
That match at Ballyskeagh may have been marred by fighting on the terraces, but anyone interested in the football could see that McLaughlin was a player with a touch of class.
He scored two penalties in the game, including a late winner from the spot when the pressure was on.
McLaughlin, who like many gifted young players from the province learnt much playing for Lisburn Youth, recently signed a three-year deal to join Liverpool.
His aim?
“At the end of that contract I want to have done well enough to earn a new one,” says Ryan, a determined young man.
McParland, installed as the Academy Director two years ago by ex-Reds manager Rafael Benitez, says: “We scouted Ryan over the last two years and a lot of clubs were interested in him. In fact I'd say all the top clubs in the Premier League wanted him. We worked very hard to get him.
“We've looked after him and when he comes over in July he’ll be in nice digs which his parents are really pleased with.
“He's a good player and we're very excited by the prospect of him coming to us. He will definitely learn quickly because he's an intelligent young lad.
“He's been playing above his age level for Northern Ireland and when he's been over here at the Academy for training and matches he has done exceptionally well.”
Frank, whose Scouse wit is as sharp as his eye in spotting future stars, added that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish and Director of Football Damien Comolli have already watched Ryan and been impressed with what they saw.
McParland stated: “The manager and Damien have both seen him play and they are really impressed by the level he has reached so far. We're really looking forward to seeing him develop because when he's with us full-time and playing and training here every day he'll progress even quicker.
“He's coming over in July after finishing his schoolwork which is important. His parents were keen for him to finish his schooling.
“Once he's over here with us we feel he can go through the ranks quickly. We think we have got one of the best young players to come out of Northern Ireland in the last few years.”
