IRELAND YOUTH INTERNATIONAL Eiran Cashin earned the plaudits of Wayne Rooney after excelling during his full debut for Derby County.
Having made four previous appearances as a substitute, Cashin was selected in Rooney’s starting line-up for Saturday’s home game against Peterborough United.
With Ireland’s Jason Knight and Festy Ebosele also in the team, Derby gave their Championship survival hopes another boost with a 1-0 win thanks to a late goal from Louie Sibley.
Rooney expressed his delight with the performance of Cashin – who played all 90 minutes – when asked about the left-sided centre-back afterwards.
“I thought he was magnificent,” the Derby County manager said of the 20-year-old. “Tackling, heading, calmness on the ball, moving the ball forward and stepping in with the ball; it was everything I wanted and I’m delighted for him.
“He’s a top player, I believe. He can improve but he’s got the potential to be a very good player and he’s a great lad.”
Born in England, Cashin qualifies to play for Ireland via the parentage rule. He was capped by Andy Reid at U18 level in a game against Turkey in 2019.
“I told him to enjoy it,” Rooney added. “I had trust in Cash coming in and he was outstanding. I have seen an improvement in him this season.
“It is hard to gauge from U23s football but there are details you look at. I then bring the players up for a few weeks to train with us and see how they settle in with that, and the lads have been outstanding.
“The message? I have not put any pressure on them [the young players]. They are good players. They wouldn’t be playing if I didn’t think they can.”
- Originally published at 12:27pm
