Glentoran coach and former player Tim McCann says watching his son, Lennon, play in the Budget Energy SuperCup NI is more nervy than playing in an Irish Cup final.
The Irish Cup winner has stepped back beyond the boundary to cheer on his son, who lines out for the County Antrim side at the youth football tournament.
“Oh, it’s far more nerve-wracking,” said the former Cliftonville, Ballymena Utd and Glentoran midfielder.
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“I could easily go out and play in an Irish Cup final at Windsor Park in front of 16,000 people, and it wouldn’t bother me.
“But when your son’s playing, it’s like you’re playing yourself. You’re always nervous because you want them to do so well.
“It’s great memories though, and I can’t wait for this week.”
Lennon McCann and his County Antrim side were given a tough draw in the groups, facing Rangers, Intercontinental FA and Premier League academy side Manchester United.
“People are joking that it’s the group of death, but those are the fixtures you want,” said McCann Sr.
“You want to play against those big sides.
Antrim’s Lennon McCann is playing in the Budget Energy Supercup Premier match between Co Antrim and Glasgow Rangers at Coleraine Showgrounds.
Antrim’s Lennon McCann is playing in the Budget Energy Supercup Premier match between Co Antrim and Glasgow Rangers at Coleraine Showgrounds. PICTURE: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye(Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)
“They’ve been training for about eight weeks and have had a few friendlies as well. This is his second time here.”
With plenty of young stars appearing at this tournament, it is not lost on the Glentoran coach how important this competition is for the side.
“It’s like being a professional footballer for a week,” said the three-time Irish League winner.
“You’re playing in front of big crowds against world-famous clubs.
“If you’re playing against Manchester United, Liverpool, or whoever it may be, it shows you the standard at your age group and where you need to be.
Tim McCann celebrates afetr scoring as a substitute against Larne.
Tim McCann had a distinguished playing career in the Irish League. Picture: Darren Kidd(Darren Kidd/Darren Kidd_Press Eye)
“The other side of that is the number of scouts clubs have coming here to watch games. It just takes a bit of luck. You need to be in the right place at the right time and, if you catch somebody’s eye, you never know.
“The number of lives that have been changed because of this tournament is incredible. You only have to look at the number of players who have competed here and gone on to enjoy successful careers.
“You just never know what could happen. Worst-case scenario, you go back to your club with that experience under your belt and an extra eight weeks of fitness, so it works out well for everyone.”
Whilst the SuperCup NI can also be a litmus test for sides to test where they are in terms of other academy systems, it is also a platform that can showcase the best of Northern Irish talent to teams from across the water, an opportunity invaluable to the young players from the north.
Tim McCann on teh sideline for his former side, Glentoran, as a first-team coach
Tim McCann now works with his former side, Glentoran, as a first-team coach. PICTURE: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton(©INPHO/Stephen Hamilton/©INPHO/Stephen Hamilton)
“The opportunities now are unbelievable,” emphasised McCann.
“Just look at how many young players are leaving here to join academies, and the SuperCupNI plays a huge part in that.
“But even if it doesn’t happen straight away, the Irish League is getting more recognition than ever before.
“You look at ourselves at Glentoran with Cammy Palmer, who was probably our best player last season, and he earned a move to Livingston.
“I think what attracts clubs to players in the Irish League is that they’re already competing at a really high level in men’s football, so they’re much better prepared when they get that opportunity.”