lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandRepublic of Ireland's Trent Kone-Doherty and England's Josh Acheampong in action during a Euro U21 qualifier
Republic of Ireland's Trent Kone-Doherty and England's Josh Acheampong in action during a Euro U21 qualifier
THE Republic of Ireland will qualify for the European U21 Championships for the first time if they can get the better of Finland over a two-legged play-off on Friday (away) and next Tuesday (home).
Jim Crawford’s side beat England 3-1 in Cork last month to clinch the play-off spot and two talented Derry youngsters were at the forefront of a brilliant display by the Boys in Green.
Trent Kone-Doherty and Oisin Gallagher were former team-mates at Derry City but Gallagher is playing in League Two with London’s Barnet these days while Kone-Doherty is making a name for himself at Norway top flight outfit Molde.
Kone-Doherty, who started his career at Foyle Harps before moving to the Candystripes and on to Liverpool, was first called up to the Ireland U16s and has played at every level since. He’s been a central part of a seven-game unbeaten run that dates back to a 1-1 draw with Moldova in March and reached a crescendo when Ireland came from behind to take the prized scalp of England at Turner’s Cross.
“It’s exciting times,” says Kone-Doherty.
“Beating England was a fun day, it was a good day for Irish football and it just shows what we can do and the quality we have in the team so we just want to keep building from there.
“We know Finland are a good side but it’s just about us focussing on ourselves and going out and doing what we’re good at. That’s what we’ve done up to now and we’ll try and do the same in these play-offs.
“It would mean so much for us and for me to create that bit of history, it’s something that we’ll try our best to achieve.
“The quality is definitely there and when we get into the camp everyone’s very tight and we get on well. We have a lot of team spirit and I think that’s why we do well in games. Everyone gets into it, it’s a mutual things where everyone comes to together when we’re in camp for however long we’re in it.”
Former Derry City star Oisin Gallagher battles for the ball as Ireland beat England 3-1 at Turners Cross in Cork last month.
Former Derry City star Oisin Gallagher battles for the ball as Ireland beat England 3-1 at Turners Cross in Cork last month.
His former Derry City team-mate Gallagher has established himself in midfield at Barnet and played the full 90 minutes when ‘The Bees’ beat Tranmere Rovers 3-0 in the first round of the FA Cup.
“It’s nice to have somebody from back home to have a chat with when we’re in camp,” says Kone-Doherty who has had support from another footballing son of the city in James McClean.
“He messaged me a few times when I went to Liverpool,” says Kone-Doherty, who came through the ranks at Foyle Rovers, the club that produced Shane Duffy.
“He’s always been nice.
“For me it’s about trying to get into the Ireland first team – that’s my goal – and it’s nice to have people from Derry who have done it before you, it shows you there’s a pathway there.”
Trent Kone-Doherty made his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup fourth round against Plymouth last season
Trent Kone-Doherty made his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup fourth round against Plymouth last season
IF you’d seen him play on the streets in Shantallow a decade ago you’d have stopped to watch.
The electric pace, the touch, eyes in the back of his head… Kone-Doherty has always had bundles of talent. At the age of 15 the flying winger was on the bench for Derry City, a couple of years later – after signing in 2022 - he was training with Liverpool’s first team and he made cup appearances for the Mersey giants before moving on to Norway and the promise of first team football at Molde FK whose notable alumni include the likes of Erling Haaland and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who also had a spell as manager.
The top flight Eliteserien in Norway runs from March to November and, with just four games to go, Viking and Bodo Glimt are well ahead at the top and Molde are locked in a three-way battle with Rosenborg and Lillestrom for third and fourth place and European qualification. A 3-2 loss away to Brann and a 5-5 draw at Sandefjord on Sunday have put a dent in Molde’s hopes.
“It’s a big change but I’m enjoying it,” says 20-year-old Doherty of his move to Scandinavia.
“It’s a chance to play first team football and it’s a nice city so it’s working well for me.
“The main reason was to come and try and earn my spot in the first team because I’d heard it was a good league over here and it was interesting for me to live in another country. It’s an experience to come to a good league and try and establish yourself in the team.
“It’s a really good level to play at and I’ve developed massively since I’ve here, I’ve worked hard and improved a lot.”
His mum is a Derry native and his dad Ibrahim, originally from the Ivory Coast, has been “a massive influence” on the young winger’s career.
“He’s always looking out for me, always looking for things I can do better because ultimately I just want to be the best I can be and keep developing,” he says.
“I’ve developed massively since coming out to Molde, it’s been a big step for my career and I’m excited for the future.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, picked a youthful team, with Trent Kone-Doherty a late substitute
Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot gives Trent Kone-Doherty some instructions on the sideline last season
Going to Molde wasn’t an easy decision for him. No player wants to leave Liverpool and having had a taste of first team action last season, of course he wanted to stay on and force his way into new boss Andoni Iraola’s plans.
“I had a lot of friends at Liverpool and I love the club,” he says.
“But I just reached that time when I had to go and learn something new and experience something new and I’m happy I did it.
“I will take it day-by-day and see what happens but right now I’m enjoying my football.”
Kone-Doherty rose quickly through the ranks at Liverpool, scoring nine goals in his first 10 games for the club’s Academy side and manager Arne Slot named him on the bench against PSV Eindhoven in January last year. In February, the Derry youngster made his first team competitive debut as a second-half substitute in the FA Cup against Plymouth.
It was a memorable day for him but Liverpool lost 1-0.
“Football is a mental game, it’s full of a lot of ups and downs and it’s all about how you deal with them,” he says.
“That’s the thing people find tough but if you can keep a level head you can keep going.
“There’s things happen like injuries… There’s a lot of situations that can come up and it’s just about staying level-headed, that’s the way I’ve always looked at it.
“You have to stay as level as you can when you’re on the highs and when you’re on the lows because that’s what will help you reach your potential.”