Crusaders manager Declan Caddell is delighted to have teenage star Josh Williamson back available after marking his first appearance of the season in last weekend’s Premiership loss to Larne – acknowledging “we’ve missed him”.

Despite still being aged only 18, Williamson has already racked up more than 50 Premiership appearances for the Crues and established himself as a key player in Caddell’s midfield.

Williamson was nominated for NIFWA’s Young Player of the Year award for his impressive form last term – he played 30 times in the league and started in both legs of Crusaders’ promotion/relegation play-off victory over Annagh United.

The prize was ultimately won by prolific team-mate Fraser Bryden, who sealed a six-figure summer transfer to Chesterfield, but his nomination recognised Williamson’s continued rapid progression.

placeholder image — Crusaders manager Declan Caddell. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

Williamson is being eased back into action after suffering from a persistent injury issue and played the final 17 minutes of last weekend’s 3-0 loss to the reigning Premiership champions at Seaview.

Even in that short period of time, the tenacious teenager displayed all the attributes which have underlined his status as one of the Irish League’s best young players.

Williamson was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s Co Antrim Senior Shield defeat to Ballymena United, but could play a role in Saturday’s clash against the same opposition.

"Yeah (it’s great to have him back),” said Caddell. “He's one we just have to manage, he still has an ongoing issue, but we have to manage him.

"We're trying to ease him back in as best we can, but you seen even in the final 15 minutes he's come on (against Larne) how much we've missed him and what he gives you.

"He is (a real character), and that's what you need, you need characters who can deliver in this league, so it’s good to have him back.

"Oli McCart as well was back on the bench, he's missed the whole season, so it’s good to have him back too.”

Caddell has also given his full backing to goalkeeper Shea Callister after his error proved costly on Tuesday night with 17-year-old Conor Burns striking into an empty net – the Crues shot-stopper was caught in possession as Ballymena set up a semi-final date.

On loan from Derry City, 20-year-old Callister has impressed at the start of his time with the Crues, playing in all 11 of their Premiership matches to date.

Caddell insists Callister will bounce back stronger from the mistake and will be patient with his young players as they continue to learn.

"It was an error, that’s fine, Shea is a young lad, a young goalkeeper, he’s going to make mistakes like that,” Caddell told the club’s media channel. “I have no issue with that.

"Shea is no different than any other young player I bring here, he’s going to make mistakes on the football pitch.

"It was a costly one, but that’s learning and if he doesn’t learn he won’t improve. Shea will take it on the chin but he has the character to bounce back and I have no issue with that.”