SANTRY’S Eric Whelan is a player in the same position as thousands of others around the country…a young, talented footballer eager to make his mark.
The 18-year old centre-back who is a leading figure of Dundalk’s FC’s under-19s team, is currently battling to make his way into the senior squad.
Eric’s situation is not unlike many others around the country but given the setbacks he has already faced, the fact that he is even battling for such a position is a testament to his talent.
Before he was even a teenager, Whelan was dropped from his team at St Kevin’s FC because of his weight (“I was never fat, I just hadn’t developed yet”, he insists) before moving to Malahide United.
It was here that his performances caught the attention of Bray Wanderers, who he would go on to sign for.
At 15-years-of-age, playing for an under 19s team a 90 minute commute away was far from ideal, but Whelan never doubted his decision.
“I didn’t have a name among League of Ireland teams. I didn’t have any options, it was either that or end up at Home Farm or somewhere else, which I didn’t really want to do,” he explained.
Before Whelan could even establish himself at Bray though, he was struck with a series of injuries that would cut into most of his formative years.
A damaged tendon in his knee, a pulled hip flexor and a damaged ankle ligament in succession all left Whelan sidelined for over 18 months.
Speaking about his injuries, there’s a still a certain air of frustration in Eric’s words, but he still insists that the process has made him a better player.
“After the injuries I was like, ‘forget it, just enjoy your football’ and I really started to play with a lot more freedom and enjoyment.”
Despite a lack of playing time during his time at Bray Wanderers, the reputation Whelan garnered was enough for him to be offered a contract for League of Ireland champions Dundalk FC.
Whelan started all of Dundalk’s Under 19 games this year as they reached the League semi-final before bowing out to Galway United.
The young defender is clearly proud of the season he just has completed, which also included three appearances as an unused substitute for the side’s first team
“It’s the best I’ve ever played by a long shot,” he enthused. “It feels like the first time in ages that I’ve been totally injury free.”
Now though, he appears to be at a crossroads in his career; frustrated with an apparent lack of quality at underage level but still not prepared to make his mark in such a talented squad.
His situation is made even more difficult given the quality of the squad he is trying to break into.
Some of the most talented defenders in the League of Ireland can be found in Dundalk’s squad, including recent international call-up Andy Boyle.
Frustratingly for Whelan though, the more relaxed atmosphere found in under-19s football is potentially hindering his progress.
“It’s not nearly as intense as I’d like it to be,” he explained. “At under-19s some of the games can be terrible. You play teams who just set up very defensively and it’s terrible for your development.”
Another option for the 18-year old would be to look towards Irish clubs where the chances of getting regular first-team football would be far greater.
“I feel like I have already surpassed it (the under-19s team) but I’m just not good enough yet.
“I will be, but I’m just not quite there.”
REPORT: Daniel O’Connor