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Before last Friday night's game with Shamrock Rovers, defender Hughie Douglas sat down for a chat with UCDSOCCER.COM's Ryan Bailey

Despite still being in his teens, UCD’s Hugh Douglas has experienced plenty of success in his short career to date and after recently completing his Leaving Cert; the defender can now fully focus on footballing matters.

The 19 year old broke into Martin Russell’s squad at the back end of last season and made an instant impact from the bench as he put in some eye catching performances:

Like so many of UCD’s current young stars, the Bray man moved from the highly regarded Belvedere FC after being a pivotal part of their All-Ireland success. “I enjoyed my time there as it’s a great club for young footballers. We won a good few trophies which was fantastic.”“It was a quick rise but you have to take your chances when they come. I really enjoyed my debut against Drogheda and that helped me settle in. I was just happy to be playing and we got a good run of results so it was a great time for the team.” He said.   

Paul Corry, James Kavanagh, David O’Connor, Chris Lyons and Stephen Doyle, among others, have all moved from the Dublin club to Belfield and Douglas had no hesitation in joining Martin Russell’s side after being asked to train with the squad.

It was his fine performances which got him selected for the Irish schools team alongside UCD’s Robbie Benson and Tomas Boyle. ‘The Doug’ spent two years in a side which won the Centenary Shield and was central to their successes. His performances were rewarded last February when he was named FAI Schools International Player of the Year, which was presented by former Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved.

Speaking about his time in a green jersey, Douglas admitted it was a massive honour and privilege. “It was a big honour for me and during my first year we won the Centenary Shield which was fantastic. Bense and Boyler were part of that team as well; it was a great experience for us.”    

The teenager went onto say it was a shock to be named as the International Schools Player of the Year; “I didn’t expect to win it to be honest, I was delighted to be selected.”

It’s never easy for any young player to make the big step from schoolboy to Premier Division level but Hugh made the transition easily. He says there is a big difference between the two:“The pace and tempo in the top flight is much greater than schoolboys. It’s a lot more physical too but the U19 league is a good preparation.”           

UCD head into this evening’s clash with Champions Shamrock Rovers bottom of the Airtricity League and Douglas admits the Students are disappointed with the current position but are confident they can climb the table: “Of course we are all disappointed but all the lads believe we can get a good run of results. We’ve been playing well but have been unlucky in recent weeks not to get the points which is very frustrating as all the lads train hard each week and put their all into the matches so it’s tough to take.”

Away from football and the odd bit of hurling, Hughie hopes to study for a Sports Science degree at UCD from this September he is gets the points. And what about a possible move further afield for football?

“Yeah of course that’s something I’m aiming for but at the moment I’m concentrating on playing for UCD, improving my game and becoming a better footballer.”

Speaking about tonight’s opponents, the 6’3 defender is aware the danger Rovers possess despite their recent form. “Rovers are a great club regardless of the situation they find themselves in. They’re a top team so you always expect a tough match against them.”

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