Issue 9: Youth and young manhood

One of the things I miss most about living in Burnley is having the chance to watch the reserves and youth teams and see the young players developing and progressing through the ranks.

Four years ago I was watching Kyle Lafferty making his first appearances for the reserve team. Kyle was a big gangly boy, with more than a touch of the Peter Crouch about him. He still reminds me of Crouch sometimes.

I distinctly remember him playing up front and being scared to head the ball. It was infuriating watching him towering over the other players but being unable to use his height advantage.

Since then, Lafferty has progressed beyond all expectations. This week he scored his first double for Northern Ireland, albeit against the international superpower of Georgia.

The fee being touted for him is around £5m, with reports suggesting we have already rejected offers over £3m. These fees seem ludicrous at first look but David Nugent went for £6m, so I really think it’s justified.

Lafferty can go to the very top. He has strength, height, a bit of pace, can run with the ball and is developing his passing and crossing all the time. He also has an eye for goal but could do with developing his composure in front of goal. That will come with experience though. He is also showing for his country that he is capable of playing up front for his club.

I hope Owen Coyle hands him a run in the side as a striker in the last few games of the season.

Also this week, Coyle has spoken about Alex McDonald, a small, pacy striker currently making his way in the reserve side with a record of a goal every other game.

McDonald represents the improvement in the youth system at the club, something previous manager Steve Cotterill must be lauded for. After the youth system was allowed to slip under Stan, Steve resurrected it and now we are reaping the rewards.

There is surely nothing better than watching local lads play for the first team having come through the ranks. It is good watching Kyle and Chris McCann playing regularly but to see a Burnley boy in the side would make me incredibly proud.