International 'tug of war' for Finn Harps 'keeper Corey Sheridan

An international tug of war is brewing for the services of young Finn Harps goalkeeper Corey Sheridan.

The Ballyshannon teenager has turned heads after a superb move into the Harps first team.

Sheridan has kept four clean sheets since being elevated into the starting 11.

In March, Sheridan was in the Northern Ireland U17 squad for UEFA European U17 Championships qualifiers in England, but the Republic of Ireland have taken note in the last month.

Abbotstown figures are said to be interested in securing Sheridan’s services. 

His Harps team-mates Oisin Cooney and Gavin McAteer have both features at underage level for the Republic of Ireland in the last year.

Sheridan, who has just turned 17, has played in the 0-0 draws against Athlone Town and Longford Town as well as 1-0 wins over Dundalk and Trearty United.

Before he started against Athlone in Lissywollen, Sheridan had never played a minute in the first team.

A Finn Harps members meeting on Sunday night heard how there are currently 14 academy graduates in the Harps first team squad with five others either from or living in Donegal. 

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Harps manager Kevin McHugh told members that everyone at the club is “on the one page” and “buying into it” at the moment and pointed out that his young players are “making a difference” in the squad.

“Gone are the days of throwing money at one or two players,” he said. Structures in behind everything are more important.

“We are looking to raise standards and everything is long term.”