‘He’s destined for big things’: Declan Caddell says Liverpool-bound striker can make a career in the game after scoring on Crusaders debut at the age of 15
Declan Caddell believes talented teenager Michael Mulholland is "destined for big things" after scoring on his debut for Crusaders at just 15-years-old.
The teenage prodigy capped off his maiden appearance for the Hatchetmen in fine style as he came off the bench to net a consolation goal in Crusaders' 4-1 loss to Coleraine at The Showgrounds last Saturday.
Well-respected statistician Marshall Gillespie outlined how Mulholland is the youngest player to score in the Irish League since 2010 at 15 years and 231 days, eclipsing Callum Ferris (15 years and 287 days) and Matthew Shevlin (15 years and 350 days).
Whilst praising Mulholland for showing his clinical edge in front of goal in what was ultimately a disappointing afternoon for his side, Caddell says the striker's family deserve a huge amount of credit for his continuing development.
He said: "I think Michael's been at the club since he was six or seven years old.
"He is destined for big things and he'll be gone next summer.
"It was nice to give him his debut and to score at 15-years-old, I don't know if that means he is the youngest player to ever score in the Irish League, it could be.
"I'm delighted for him and his family...because the family, the loyalty they've shown the club to throughout those 10 years as an academy player.
"As I say, you bring him into the fold, it's nice to get him his debut, and he has that in the locker, the quality the kid has.
"It was a great finish and I'm delighted for him and the family."
Mulholland will join Premier League giants Liverpool next summer and Caddell has no doubts that the starlet has the drive and determination to make a career out of the game.
"It's up to him," Caddell responded on how far Mulholland can go.
"And to be fair, credit to him, credit to his family too, because he has the right mentality.
"He's driven, every day he comes in, he wants to be a footballer.
"If he keeps that attitude, he has all the attributes to go where he wants.
"So, listen, we're delighted to have him, we're delighted to give a wee bit back to him, and credit to him, he's taken it as well.”