The age profile of the Airtricity League has fallen considerably this season with a number of clubs fielding very young teams.

With the Irish national team and youth sides increasingly calling up players with a League of Ireland background, it is important that many young players get the requisite level of action in teams that are trying to play the game the right way.

And there are some promising players to keep an eye on in the 2013 season.

Barry McNamee (Derry City)

A native of Ramelton in Donegal, the left midfielder came through Derry City’s youth ranks, making his debut last season. Assured on the ball and possessing a maturity belying his 21 years, McNamee has been a key figure for a Candystripes team that has made a storming start to the new season.

Although more accustomed to be playing further up the field, McNamee filled in at left-back to great effect in a 6 – 0 win over UCD just before the international break.

However he has attracted some interest from English Championship side Nottingham Forest.

But Derry manager Declan Devine will be keen to hold onto the club’s most promising talent.

After the 6 – 0 hammering of UCD, Devine told me: "Barry's been sensational for us. He's a terrific young lad, very level-headed. He's got a long way to go in terms of development but I feel he's going to continue to get better. Ideally we'd love him further up the pitch but he did well for us at left-back tonight. The sky is the limit for Barry McNamee."

Luke Byrne heads clear against Shamrock Rovers  ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Luke Byrne (Bohemians)

Due to the financial restrictions at Dalymount Park, Bohemians boss Aaron Callaghan has had to blend a team of veterans with promising young talents, many of whom have come through the club’s academy.

And although, Bohs were beaten 3 – 0 by champions Sligo Rovers last Friday night, the Phibsboro-based club’s young charges dominated long stretches of the game.

One of their brightest young things is left-back Luke Byrne. The 19-year-old made his debut at the start of last season after progressing through the club’s second team in the A Championship during 2011.

Callaghan has predicted that the young defender has the capabilities to make it in England, and last season admitted that a number of British clubs had their eye on him.

Despite his age, Byrne has been a calm presence in the Gypsies’ back four but is also adept at bursting forward.

 

Gary Burke (UCD)

The diminutive midfielder has stood out in a young team that tries to play the game the right way.

Technically gifted, the 22-year-old is a good passer of the ball. He made his debut for UCD after signing from Bohemians at the start of last season.

Not a first choice until the end of last season, he has kicked on this term, starting all five of UCD’s games and has one goal to his name in 2013 – a consolation in a 3 – 1 loss to Limerick.

 

Daryl Horgan celebrates scoring against Bohemians ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Daryl Horgan (Cork City)

Cork City is another team which fields relatively young teams and 20-year-old Daryl Horgan is the pick of the bunch.

A formidable talent at schoolboy level, Horgan initially played for Salthill Devon and Sligo Rovers before moving to then-First Division side Cork City midway through 2011.

He quickly established himself on the wing, scoring seven league goals in the second half of the season to lead Cork into the promised land of top tier football.

A virtual ever present in 2012, the dangerman on the wing scored four times in 28 games and has carried that form into this season with an outstanding performance against Bohemians , netting the winner three weeks ago. He has also scored twice in the Setanta Cup against Cliftonville and Crusaders.

 

Keith Ward (Dundalk)

The 22-year-old has been getting his fill of regular football over the last four years since he made his league debut for UCD in 2008.

After two years at the Bowl, he moved to Dundalk for one season before joining Aaron Callaghan at Bohs last term.

Mainly playing a holding role in midfield, Ward impressed for Bohs, scoring four goals in 24 games. But he was on the move again this winter, returning to Dundalk under the tutelage of new boss Stephen Kenny.

Handed the No 10 shirt he has been a key presence in the middle of the park as Dundalk have been much improved so far this season  after a harrowing 2012.

Ward came off the bench to score the goal which got Dundalk back into the game in the derby against Drogheda United last week.

A central midfielder by trade, Ward is also comfortable on the left flank.

 

Main image - Barry McNamee vs Drogheda United ©INPHO/Presseye/Lorcan Doherty