15-year-old Umeh an option for playoff, admits City boss Holland

Cork City have not ruled out unleashing 15-year-old wonderkid Jaden Umeh on Waterford this Friday in a bid to preserve their Premier Division status.

The winger is expected to join Portuguese giants Benfica in March but may be asked to play a role in City’s biggest game of the season at Tallaght Stadium.

After becoming the youngest league debutant in the club’s history by coming off the bench against Bohemians last Friday at the age of 15 years and 230 days, the Mahon native linked up with the Ireland squad for their Under-16 Victory Shield campaign in Wales.

Umeh started Monday’s 1-0 win over Scotland and though the matches run until Saturday, he may be recalled to Leeside prematurely to aid his local club in their time of need.

Caretaker boss Richie Holland only has Kevin Čustović majorly doubtful for the Munster derby – which will be finished on the night – and has yet to decide on whether to mobilise the Umeh phenomenon.

“We’ll see,” he said today, with a smile.

“Jaden could be in the squad. I watched his game (against Scotland) yesterday and he was very good. He’s really come on in the last few months from playing with Ireland’s Under-17s and so on.

“I’m waiting on one or two players, so we’ll see how that situation develops.” 

This game for a place in next year’s top-flight had been anticipated since early in the season.

Waterford couldn’t last the pace with runaway leaders Galway United for the sole promotion ticket from the First Division while City have occupied the playoff berth, second from bottom, for most of their first season back in the Premier.

Holland was present at Turner’s Cross on Saturday to see Ronan Coughlan score his 36th goal of the season to help the Blues overcome Cobh Ramblers in the