Source: FOOTYMAD
Shrimpers look to the future: 'It's a brilliant feeling when a young player gets an opportunity'
Blues Under-18 boss Ricky Duncan has been overjoyed to see four of his former charges play against Stockport last weekend, and believes there's more to come. Stuart O'Keefe: Could see more first team football next seasonFranck Moussa, Johnny Herd, Stuart O'Keefe and Harry Crawford all started against Stockport County at Roots Hall on Saturday with S24 making young striker Harry man-of-the-match.Their former boss Ricky Duncan, still bringing on the kids as well as taking charge of the reserves, is well aware that's what he's paid to do, especially with Uncle Ron looking to cut the wage bill!Ricky told www.echo-news.co.uk: "You can win leagues or enjoy a great run in the FA Youth Cup but we're here to produce players for the first team and it was great to see four starting at the weekend. That's what all the staff work for and it's a brilliant feeling when you see a young player getting an opportunity." Harry, of course, went on to score the equaliser against the Hatters, his first goal in professional football, and Ricky believes he has a bright future as long as he keeps working hard and gets more clinical in front of goal, something last season's Youth Alliance Championship winning coach believes will come with time and experience.However, he has not had the chance to repeat that feat this time around, losing Harry hasn't helped of course, but also due to a knee injury another promising striker in Kyle Asante, that has kept that youngster out for a long period.Even so, he still felt it was a good year, and picks out another Shrimper to watch. Ricky concluded: "Duane Ofon-Acheampong is a six foot-plus striker and is a different type of player to Harry but he's now getting used to playing under-18s football. Maybe next year he might be pushing for the first team and seeing youngsters getting a chance will also inspire other players in the youth team because it shows what could be possible." For the full Echo interview with Ricky Duncan, go here:www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/theblues/8137155.Duncan_proud_of_players/
