Derry City goalkeeper signs two-year deal with EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC

Derry City goalkeeper Conal McDermott has signed a two-year contract with Championship side Portsmouth.

McDermott has impressed within the Derry City ranks and had been tipped to break through in the senior side. 

The 17-year-old had a number of suitors to pick from but decided that the south coast of England and the EFL Championship was his desired destination, rejecting offers from a number of clubs, including Premier League suitors. 

His head coach said: “He has progressed through the academy ranks at Derry City and more recently developed under the guidance of Derry’s Head of Goalkeeping Michael Dougherty and the first team goalkeepers.

“Conal has shown an exceptional rate of development since the start of the year.

““Like all of our academy goalkeepers, we want to create a pathway for them, both for our own club and beyond, and hopefully Conal is the first of many to benefit from it.

“We have an outstanding group of goalkeepers paired with an excellent group of goalkeeping coaches and support staff.”

“From Brian Maher down, we are trying to show the depth of talent here, so it’s an exciting time to be a goalkeeper at Derry City, and this move shows it’s a great place for young goalkeepers to come and develop.

“We wish Conal every success with his move.”

And underage football club Oxford United Stars added their congratulations to their former player on Facebook. 

They said: “Another former Oxford star takes the next step.

“The club wishes to say a massive congratulations and good luck to former player Conal McDermott, who yesterday signed a scholarship deal with Championship side Portsmouth FC. Conal plied his trade with Oxford for several years before moving to Derry and then impressing on his trial at Pompey.

“A top-class goalkeeper. We wish him all the best.”