Irish League manager confident 'really intelligent player' has talent to make Premiership impact
Paul Kee believes Senan Devine has all the attributes required to make a real Premiership impact at Coleraine after enjoying a successful loan spell with H&W Welders.
The 18-year-old scored eight league goals for the Championship outfit after joining on a temporary basis ahead of the current campaign.
Devine has now been recalled by the Bannsiders, coming on as a late substitute in their recent defeat to Larne, with Ruaidhri Higgins stating his intention to provide him with senior opportunities at The Showgrounds.
Northern Ireland youth international Devine formed a deadly connection with Brian Healy at the Welders – the pair combined to score 26 of the club’s 49 league goals prior to Saturday’s 12-0 hammering of Armagh City.
Devine came highly recommended from Kee’s trusted sources, and having worked closely with him over recent months, the Welders chief has no doubt he’s capable of thriving in the top-flight.
"It was Stephen Lomas, ex-Northern Ireland captain who is a good friend of mine, who recommended him and said he was top-notch,” said Kee. “He recommended him highly.
"When I met Senan and his dad, I said 'I haven't seen you play but I have been highly recommended by Stephen' and Ruaidhri spoke highly of him as well.
"We were after another couple of young players at Coleraine but they decided to go elsewhere. We were delighted to get Senan.
"I'm really glad for Senan and his parents, who committed to coming up to training and Senan has benefitted massively. We're delighted for him and his family...hopefully Coleraine will benefit now too.
"He's a great kid and very mature. He scored goals, made goals and contributed to our play. He's a really intelligent player, good on the ball, good dribbler and he can give players a break around him. He's a really creative player.
"He has the talent and attributes to be a top player. We wish him luck because he deserves to play. Ruaidhri has said he's bringing him back to give him an opportunity so that's great."
Devine’s departure is a blow to the Welders’ Premiership promotion dream – Kee’s men currently sit three points behind leaders Annagh United and Limavady United in a hotly-contested race.
Talisman Healy, who brought his league goal tally to 22 in 23 matches after scoring four times on Saturday, is also attracting serious interest from clubs in Northern Ireland’s top-tier.
However, Kee is determined to keep his top talent at the Blanchflower Stadium and feels Devine returning to Coleraine presents an opportunity for another squad member to flourish.
"We want to make sure we don't leave ourselves short,” added Kee. “Senan going back is a significant loss to our team and I'm sure the likes of Annagh and Limavady will be rubbing their hands because he's a great young player.
"It'll open up a door for some very good young players who have been on the verge and waiting in the wings, it's up to them to grab their opportunity."