McCarthy: I want to leave a mark

TEENAGER REFLECTS ON CITY START

- By BARRY COOPER

Teenager Cathal McCarthy admits playing alongside John Egan is a privilege, as he looks to make his way in the Championship at Hull City.

McCarthy was handed a surprise debut on Saturday, just weeks after arriving at City from University College in Dublin, and partnered one of his childhood heroes in the heart of the back four.

The 18-year-old was drafted in owing to the absence of Charlie Hughes, Semi Ajayi and Akin Famewo against Blackburn Rovers, and endured a tough introduction to senior football with City well beaten.

McCarthy, who spoke to the Mail during the recent training camp in Turkey, says that it's been a bit of a whirlwind since arriving in the summer, and almost immediately being thrust into the first team setup.

"It's kind of been a bit unexpected, to be honest, coming over," McCarthy said of his arrival at City and then being part of the first team setup.

"I always wanted to get into the first team as quickly as possible, but after a week, I didn't expect to be anywhere near it, to be honest, so really, really nice to be asked," the youngster said.