CHRIS Casement comes back down to earth with a bump tonight after the most magical week of his life.The Northern Ireland young international made his Blues debut at Palace with a fine 25-minute display at right-back in front of his family.

By Derek Davis

CHRIS Casement comes back down to earth with a bump tonight after the most magical week of his life.

The Northern Ireland young international made his Blues debut at Palace with a fine 25-minute display at right-back in front of his family.

Coming on the back of a one, two three, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, an Irish Triple Crown in the Six Nations rugby, St Patrick's Day and his sister Rachel's 16th birthday, it was a memorable few days for the 18-year-old from the Emerald Isle.

But Casement fully expects to be named in the Town Reserves side that meet Chelsea's second string at Portman Road tonight (7pm kick-off).

“The whole week was unbelievable. My mum, my sister and my nan were all here to see me so it has been a wonderful week for me personally.

“I felt it went well for me but first of all I was just pleased to get on. It was a bonus for me because I was happy to be with the senior squad.

“It was a great experience but now I have to just concentrate on the reserve game against Chelsea on Monday night.”

Casement replaced an injured Scott Barron and was assigned to mark Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison and managed to keep the goal-scorer quiet.

He said: “I'm so used to watching Clinton on the telly all the time, so it was amazing to be up against him and a privilege to play against him.

“The Gaffer told me to pick him up and keep a close eye on him so I tried my best and enjoyed the challenge.”

Norwegian Vemund Brekke Skard also enjoyed his six minutes on the pitch after he replaced Jim Magilton.

Skard, who signed officially in January from lower league side Brummendal, is also likely to be named in the reserves tonight.

He said: “It was hard against a good Palace side, especially with only 10 men but we did well. It would have been nice to get all three points but a draw here was still a good result.

“It was great for me just to play. It has taken a while to make my debut but it was worthwhile. I only have had one touch but I'm not bothered. I did my job and I was happy enough with the way things went.”

n Blues Academy Under-18s went down 4-2 at Cardiff City on Saturday.