Irish youngsters sign in

Jeff Taylor welcomes Martin Reilly and his parents

For the past few years many of the youngsters on the scholarship scheme have been from the north west of England and that was the case with the four new lads who started last week – Mark Crossley, Cayne Hanley, Rob Henry and Nicky Platt.

That is not the case with the two new lads this week who are both from the Republic of Ireland and have, like the other four, signed up for a two year Modern Apprenticeship In Sporting Excellence.

Both of them have arrived from the renowned Home Farm Boys Club and have started training with the Clarets today.

The first of them is left-back Martin Reilly who is from Cavan. He came to Burnley’s attention earlier this year after writing to the club for a trial. He was brought over in February for training and impressed enough to earn himself an apprenticeship.

and a welcome for Chris McCann and his family

Along with him was Chris McCann who is from Meath which is just outside the capital Dublin. A midfielder Chris was spotted by the Clarets playing for Beneavin College and he, like Reilly, was invited over for training earlier in the year.

It’s not just Burnley who have seen the potential in the pair and both have just learned that they have been put on standby for the Republic of Ireland Under 17 squad.

Clarets Mad would like to wish both Martin and Chris every success at the Turf.

Irish youngsters sign in

Last updated : 06 July 2004 By Tony Scholes

Trending on the boards