Liam Kearney backs Cork City rising star Cathal O'Sullivan to thrive at next level

Liam Kearney is confident Cork City's latest rising star Cathal O'Sullivan will thrive at a higher level.

The 18-year-old has excelled since breaking into the first team and is strongly linked with a move to Crystal Palace this summer. Kearney, who takes charge of the first team along with Greg Yelverton for the trip to St Pat's on Friday, is the club Head of Academy and has overseen the development of a succession of young players.

"When you talk about experience and winners, Cathal, as a young lad, is a winner already," said Kearney at the club's press conference.

"How he trains, how he looks after himself, how he works in the gym, the work-rate on the pitch. 

People might say 'oh he's a flair player' but he's anything but that in terms of his work ethic.

"He has grown into first-team football from being an obvious talent in the academy. He's a really, really top player.

"We know there's big clubs interested in him and if he keeps performing like he is and on a regular basis - nothing seems to be getting to him from the outside stuff which can happen young players - he's in a really good place.

"The ceiling is very high for Cathal. Whatever decision he makes... he's very comfortable at any level."

Kearney has already ruled himself out as the successor to Tim Clancy, who resigned as City boss after defeat to Derry City last Friday.

“It came as a surprise to all of us.

“We came out after the game on Friday night, we had a chat and Tim basically just said 'it’s time now'. We respect everything that he’s done for us."

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Clancy commuted from Dublin as Rebel Army manager but Kearney feels his replacement "definitely needs to be based in Cork and get absolutely entrenched within the club".

Clancy did excel in terms of tapping into the thriving academy.

“From my point of view – I’m the Head of Academy – so... I suppose Tim, in fairness, was brilliant in terms of giving players opportunities.

“You could see the amount of young players that have flourished because of that opportunity so again similar lines as Tim from that point of view, that wants to know about the young players that are coming through, where they’re at, when they’re going to be ready and that communication with me.

“But very much I think it’s important that they are based here and have the time, they’re living the experience of being in Cork City Football Club and just having that time and availability.

“The club is working very hard on a new manager and hopefully by the end of the week someone is going to be in place to take the role.”