Born in 2008 – when Bertie Ahern and his dreams of the Bertie Bowl were still very much alive and well – Gavin Mcateer is today just 16 years of age, but he is already bringing a much needed spark back to “The Pride of the Northwest”. Since making his league debut at Finn Park for Finn Harps last season, and in doing so becoming the youngest representative for the club, he has been a key player for Kevin McHugh’s side, but he could soon find himself swapping Finn Park for Celtic Park.
With Harps pushing for one of the highly sought after playoff spots, they have deployed McAteer in a number of positions, as he is highly versatile, including as a striker, winger, or left midfielder.
However it seems as though his preferred position is as a centre-attacking midfielder. As he is a small enough lad, similar to Sammie Szmodics in stature, he has shown that he is more than capable of breezing past defenders in the First Division this season.
And remember, if you ever feel lazy, just remind yourself that he has garnered two assists, and two “Man of The Match” awards in his previous thirteen games – which include two U17 Internationals – all the while having to juggle his football career with his schooling and the generals likes of growing up.
With a preferred left foot, he ticks all the boxes of an ideal midfielder – which may be why the likes of Celtic and Nottingham Forest have been interested in his services. More importantly though, with Harps “strung out” after a poor run of games, he will likely become the focal point of their attack as they edge later into their season, and as they look to right past wrongs.
An incredibly valuable asset to the club, The Men’s U17 National Team, and possibly soon for the likes of Scotland’s finest, he will certainly be one to keep an eye on in years to come. Moreover, the upcoming Men’s U17 World Cup in Qatar this November will be an ample opportunity for him to showcase his talents on a big stage, which could even spark more interest in Ballybofey’s best prospect in years.