It's Time for Ben

Doherty ready to fight for first team place.

- Orlagh Mullan

IN eight days’ time, the biggest football season of Ben Doherty’s career will kick off.

The 19-year-old broke into Kenny Shiels’ senior squad towards the end of last season, and he will be hoping for more in his first full year at the top table.

Son of former ‘Candy Stripes’ player Eamon, the local man has his eyes firmly fixed on next Friday’s league opener away to Bohemians.

“Everyone’s looking forward to it now. We’ve put in the work and it’s not long now until we’ll get onto the pitch,” the 19-year-old told the Derry News.

“Every day we’ve been in doing some work to get ready. We haven’t had much time off. Everyone has come in really committed and on board with the training this year.”

Shiels has already reiterated the fact that players like Doherty will get much more game time this year, and the former Institute man is hopeful of keeping himself in the manager’s thoughts.

“Last year I got a few games towards the end of the season and I got a bit of experience. With a full pre-season under my belt I feel that I’ve kicked on. Hopefully I can stamp my authority now and try to get into the team on a more regular basis,” the local lad said.

“As you seen, Kenny came in and he made changes. He has no problem throwing younger boys in. He has told the team that if you’re in good form, you’ll play. It’s down to whoever is doing the business really.”