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Star in the making!

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Arthur McClean: spotted the natural talent of Michael O’Neill at a very early age.

BALLYMENA man Arthur McClean spotted Michael O'Neill's potential on the football field - over 30 years ago!
Now he hopes the 42-year-old can have the same success in his manager's role with the Northern Ireland soccer side.
McClean admits to being "a bit surprised but absolutely delighted" at the speed O'Neill came up through the managerial ranks and is now the new N.I. international boss.
O'Neill, who was officially announced as the new N.I. boss at a press conference at IFA headquarters, Belfast, last Wednesday, kicked off his soccer career with local side Star United.
McClean was manager at the time and he told Guardian Sport he knew that the lightly built youngster would go on to be a big name in football.
“He was something special," outlined McClean, who has been associated with football in the Borough for over 30 years. "He was a very, very skilful player."
Full credit to Shaun McLaughlin, of All Saints Primary School, who got O'Neill and a handful of others lads involved with Star United. At that time Star United was looked upon as the nursery side for Irish League club Ballymena United.
Alex McKee, who went on to guide Ballymena United to their Irish Cup final success back in 1989, and who spectated at the United v Linfield Premier clash at the Showgrounds on Saturday, worked alongside Harryville man McClean with Star United.
When McKee went on to manager B Division side Chimney Corner he took young O'Neill with him; the lad only stayed a few games before being snapped-up by Ballymena's 'derby' rivals Coleraine.
The quality midfielder spent sometime at Ballycastle Road before being signed by Newcastle United.
Former Star United boss McClean spoke with pride when he told Guardian Sport about O'Neill making his debut in the highly competitive Saturday Morning League at just 13-years-of-age!
“Michael could play in midfield or at full-back. I had no hesitation at all putting him into our game, despite him being so young. He played that day for my side, Demesne Strollers, and did well," said McClean.
O'Neill also featured in the N.I. Milk Cup tournament, turning out in the 1985 final for Coleraine, who were managed by Victor Hunter; they lost that tussle to Newcastle United.
The previous year he played for the Ballymena and District Youth League, managed by Alex McKee, also in the Milk Cup.

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