WHATEVER happens for the rest of Sam Corcoran's career, at least Colchester United's teenage midfielder can say that he played in the Football League!

Carl Marston

WHATEVER happens for the rest of Sam Corcoran's career, at least Colchester United's teenage midfielder can say that he played in the Football League!

Corcoran, a second year apprentice, satisfied a burning ambition by making his senior debut for the U's, albeit a brief one at Hereford United on Saturday.

U's boss Paul Lambert introduced Corcoran as an 89th minute substitute, for makeshift midfielder Alan Maybury, in a comfortable 2-0 win at Edgar Street. He impressed with a couple of neat touches during four minutes of stoppage time, and will now be hungry for more action.

“It feels good to now be a Football League player!” said an excited Corcoran.

“I had been on the bench before, but it was nice to be involved in this one, and in a win.

“I hoped that I would get on, and I thought that I'd have a chance if we were two or three goals up late in the match. The gaffer kept telling me to - “get warm, get warm” - from about 20 minutes to go, but I was beginning to think that I wouldn't get on with time ticking by.

“Some of the lads were also winding me up, saying that I would soon come on and should get ready.

“It was good to get on the pitch. I put the ball over someone's head with my first touch, and also did a drag back near the end, but the referee then blew his final whistle,” added Corcoran.

Like his manager Lambert, Corcoran's favourite position is in central midfield. The U's boss has certainly been impressed with the youngster's performances for the reserves, and has suggested that he could be one of a select few to make the grade.

Corcoran was an unused substitute during the 1-0 win at high-flying Millwall at the end of March, but he benefited from a number of senior absentees to make his debut quicker than expected.

Skipper Dean Hammond was suspended, while fellow midfielder David Perkins is out for the rest of the season through injury.

“I'm coming to the end of my second year, and I'm definitely here for next year,” revealed Corcoran.

“We'll then take it from there, but I want to keep pushing on. I'd like to get some more action and maybe even a start.

“I know that there are a lot of people ahead of me in my position, but Joe Dunne (coach) has been a big help to me and of course Paul Lambert, the gaffer, has given me my chance.

“Geraint Williams (former manager) gave me some experience of playing in some pre-season friendlies, but it was Paul Lambert who has given me my debut.

“He reached the top of the game as a midfielder, winning the Champions League (with Borussia Dortmund), so I can learn a lot off him, like when to play and when not to play, and everything to do with tactics,” added Corcoran.

He will now be hoping to make his home debut on Saturday, when promotion-chasing Peterborough visit the Community Stadium. This is the U's last home fixture of the campaign.