Darren Kelly vows to tackle Stephen Kenny over player eligibility issue

The former Derry City and Portadown defender, who is currently managing Scarborough Athletic, is confident he can help transform that mindset and inject a ‘positive influence’, particularly on players who hail from the north west.

The interview process for the vacant U21 post isn’t expected to take place until the new year but the Derry man is throwing his hat into the ring early in the hope he will be considered for the job.

Kelly has previously declared his interest following Ian Baraclough’s elevation to the senior job but now he’s issued a statement of intent, outlining how he’s prepared to challenge his former Derry manager, Stephen Kenny when it comes to recruiting the best young talent in the north.

The IFA, have been understandably frustrated at the trend in players who represented N. Ireland at youth level declaring for the Republic, including Derry natives, Darron Gibson, James McClean and Josh Daniels.

Mark Sykes became the latest player to be embroiled in controversy when he opted for a move to the Republic and it’s a ‘problem’ Kelly believes must be reversed.

Derry City's Stephen Mallon and Glentoran keeper, Rory Brown are currently in the process of switching international allegiance from Republic back to Northern Ireland and Kelly is confident he can have an positive influence on continuing that particular trend.

“The big issue with the IFA is obviously the likes of the Derry boys changing allegiance to the Republic,” said Kelly.

“I’m from the local area and I believe I can change or at least influence that.

“I’ve played at Derry and there’s a bit of influence there. I believe I can change that mindset. I believe I can persuade Derry boys to stay with the north if they’re contemplating changing allegiance.

“Coming from Derry, I think I can influence change in the north west and further afield. I think that sets me apart.

“People choosing to go from north to the south has been a major problem for the IFA. I know ‘Kenso’ and he will be all over this getting players to declare for the south and he will do it in a good way as he wants what’s best for the Republic of Ireland.

“You have to challenge him on that. I would see if I could influence players to stick with it or even get some of the Republic players to turn to the north. For some reason players are turning but you can turn that on its head.

“I’ve been linked with the position and believe I have what it takes to do the job. I’m well qualified for it.

“Stephen (Kenny) will have his people getting in touch with players and making time for them which goes a long way with people. I would do the same - I’m that type of character. I believe I can influence that if given the opportunity.”

Kelly himself swapped international allegiances as a youngster when moving from the Republic U18s to Northern Ireland U21s, so he believes he has a good grasp of the situation.

“Bearing in mind I played for the Republic U18s and then changed to the north, I’ve got the t-shirt effectively. I was probably one of the first to go the other way. And to be honest it’s a decision I’ve never regretted.”

Andy Crosby assumed the role as N. Ireland U21 boss when Baraclough vacated the hot-seat and will see out the remainder of the European Championship qualifying campaign.

However, Kelly sees the post as an excellent opportunity to progress his managerial career following spells with Oldham Athletic, Halifax, Hyde United and Scarborough.

The Creggan man has turned down an offer to manage in League One recently but he admits the chance to lead the N. Ireland U21s would be too good to turn down.

”It’s a job I’m really interested in. It would be a really good job and a good opportunity to get back home more often too.

“If the opportunity arose I would definitely consider it. For now, I’ve given my word to Scarborough where things are going well. I have a win ratio of about 74%.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of decent names in for it but if the opportunity arose I would definitely consider it.”